Major UK retailers have sought to reassure the NFU they are taking measures to help growers through supply challenges linked to the recent heatwave.
So far, six of the top nine supermarkets have responded to the union's questions on what they are doing to help growers cope with the recent dry weather.
Support from supermarkets has ranged fromdonations to theRoyal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI),changes of specification, and changes to promotions to take into consideration the quality and volume ofproduct available.
The NFU said it was 'vital' that retailers committed to long supply chain partnerships 'where suppliers and customers pull together at times of strain'.
The body added that it was 'pleased' to see that measures have already been taken but urged retailers to continue to communicate with suppliers to understand the pressures at farm level.
Supermarket support
Tescohas taken action in certain fresh produce sectors, namely British potatoes, strawberries and apricots.
In potatoes it has allowed larger than normal levels of 'dry scab' in its packs; in strawberries it has lowered the minimum average level of sugar and allowed smaller sized strawberries; and in apricots it has relaxed size and appearance specifications.
Morrisons, meanwhile, said it was working with farmers to make specifications and contract terms more flexible, for example by adjusting size requirements, quantities, timings, weights, prices and payment terms.
'We are able to take an increased volume of produce through our Wonky offer, which is something our customers are growing to recognise and respond to,' a spokesperson said.
Asdahas temporarily dropped the weight specifications across all suppliers for iceberg lettuce. At the peak of the hot weather it also allowed for visual defects like tip burn as to avoid 'heavy grade out' in fields.
In addition, the retailer received praise from the British Carrot Growers' association for relaxing specificationson the vegetable and is currently reviewing itspotato specs and range ahead of the coming season. 'Crop will be less and smaller so we will be flexing the Asda range offer to accommodate these factors,' the retailer said.
Efforts to support suppliers have also been made by the discounters, withLidlswapping celery and sweetcorn out of planned 'Pick of the Week' promotions to ease demand on producers.
The supermarket also reduced size requirements on white cabbage, celery, lettuce and peppers, as well as relaxing specifications on potatoes to allow for minor skin defects.
Aldihas been reviewing the specifications on products, including onions and leeks, and said it would continue to be flexible on specification 'where there has been damage to crops'.
The supermarket, which has been recognised as the top retailer for GSCOP compliance for five years running, added that it would ensure growers were 'paid fairly in accordance with our agreements'.
Marks & Spencerwas more vague in its commitments to fresh produce growers, sayingit was 'working hard to understand and quantify concerns' and would 'amend specifications where necessary' to ensure producers are 'able to supply us for the long term'.
The NFU said it was still awaiting responses from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Co-op.
