NFU says horticulture needs Buyers Code of Practice

The NFU has called on the government to introduce a Horticultural Buyers Code of Practice.

The call is part of a package of recommendations the union says are needed to underpin confidence and profitability in the British horticulture sector and ensure fairness in the supply chain.

It comes amid ongoing challenges in the sector, including costs of production that have increased by as much as 39 per cent in the past two years and uncertainty about a long-term plan for seasonal workers.

Call for regulation

The code of practice would complement and expand on the rules already laid out in the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCoP) and be applicable to all buyers across the supply chain, the NFU explained.

It forms part of its recommendations to the Defra horticulture supply chain review consultation. Its other recommendations, which it said could ensure a fair and well-functioning horticulture supply chain fit for the UK’s food security needs, include:

• Calling for the government to use its powers in the Agriculture Act to regulate contracts.
• Ensuring appropriate enforcement of regulations made under the Agriculture Act by an independent body.
• Expanding the role of GSCoP and the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) to include large manufacturers and processors in its scope and include ornamental crops in its remit.
• Ensuring the government works together so that GSCoP legislation stays relevant to the industry challenges.
• Legally incorporating the GCA’s seven golden rules into GSCoP.

Tackling unfairness in the supply chain 

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett said: “Evidence gathered from our grower members shows just how strained relationships in the horticulture supply chain have become. While growers want to remain anonymous for fear of losing contracts, we have heard examples of unreasonable delay tactics to negotiating contracts, making it difficult to plan for the season ahead and unexpected requests mid-contract.

“It is vital for Defra to use its powers in the Agriculture Act to address the unfair buying behaviours impacting growers.

“Having experienced shortages of some of the nation’s favourite fruit and vegetables in the past 12 months, and with ongoing global instability, we know firsthand how fragile the supply chain is. We want to see our domestic supply chain geared to consistently deliver a sustainable supply of affordable British food for people.

“It is essential for the future of the sector that we address concerns about fairness in the supply chain and build confidence back into the sector.

“The British horticulture sector has the ambition to grow and deliver for food production, the environment and people’s health and wellbeing. However, only profitable businesses working within a fair supply chain have the certainty to invest and ensure long-term food security for the UK.

“To address the barriers identified and to give businesses confidence to invest in productivity and innovation we need to introduce a specific Horticultural Buyers Code of Practice that stamps out unfair buying behaviours, along with fairer contractual obligations. This should be introduced while also expanding the remit of GSCoP and the GCA to address the problems in the supply chain.”