Official release
Farmers are being encouraged to raise concerns about their supply contracts, as the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator continues his work to promote fairer trading practices and improve relationships between farmers and purchasers.
The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator Richard Thompson published his second annual report today (Tuesday 3 November), highlighting progress in promoting fairer trading practices across the dairy and pig sectors.
The Adjudicator has been working closely with farmers and businesses across the UK’s milk and pig sectors to promote fair dealing, improve understanding of supply contract obligations and encourage better trading practices.
In one case, the ASCA helped a dairy farmer secure clearer contract terms after concerns they could be prevented from selling surplus milk to other buyers. By raising the issue with the processor while protecting the farmer’s identity, the office helped secure changes confirming farmers could sell surplus milk elsewhere.
Richard Thompson, Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator, said:
Farming Minister Stephen Morgan said:
The report also highlights work with producers, processors and industry representatives to improve understanding of the Fair Dealing Obligations Regulations, identify emerging concerns and encourage better practice across agricultural supply chains.
Over the coming year, the Adjudicator will continue working with the dairy and pig sectors, while preparing to support the development and potential implementation of fair dealing regulations in the egg sector.
UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs · Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. Text excerpted and formatting simplified; media and third-party quotations excluded. No endorsement implied.
Source: UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs ↗ · Updated 3 Nov 2026, 5:06 pm IST
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Last checked 5 Nov 2026, 4:13 pm IST · Coverage & methodology