51AVÊÓÆµ

EXCLUSIVE - John Milne: 'Farmers are expected to adhere to high animal standards while being condemned to an unfair market structure'

The Horsham MP said the current food system makes it nearly impossible for farmers to sell food profitably outside supermarket contracts, making it incredibly difficult for people to access locally-produced food in the process

clock • 3 min read
Liberal Democrat MP John Milne said: "When supermarkets wield such concentrated buyer power, they can force farmers to accept prices below the cost of production, delay payments, and cancel orders at the last minute. Incidents that, unfortunately, are becoming standard practice in a broken system."
Image:

Liberal Democrat MP John Milne said: "When supermarkets wield such concentrated buyer power, they can force farmers to accept prices below the cost of production, delay payments, and cancel orders at the last minute. Incidents that, unfortunately, are becoming standard practice in a broken system."

The struggles facing farmers trapped in supermarket supply chains could not be starker. 10 supermarket chains currently control nearly 97% of the UK's grocery market, which gives them tremendous power...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Upland farming pressures highlighted in Efra Committee meeting

Upland farming pressures highlighted in Efra Committee meeting

Issues involving income streams, access to agri-environment schemes and land management were discussed by upland farming representatives

Mia Willemsen
clock 10 September 2026 • 4 min read
From the editor: Food security cannot survive on warm words alone

From the editor: Food security cannot survive on warm words alone

Katie Jones
clock 10 September 2026 • 2 min read
Lib Dems call for bigger farm reservoir fund as £15m 'does not scratch the surface'

Lib Dems call for bigger farm reservoir fund as £15m 'does not scratch the surface'

The Liberal Democrats have called for a major expansion of Government support for on-farm water storage, warning the current £15 million fund is not enough to match the scale of drought losses

Tom Ryder
clock 09 September 2026 • 3 min read