Cornwall MPs accuse supermarket giants of prioritizing profits, not fair farmer treatment, despite claims of support. MPs want supermarkets to stop farmwashing.
The letter says the supermarkets claim to support farmers. However, farmer experiences often differ greatly. Farmers feel supermarkets prioritize their own profit. It seems to come at the expense of fair dealing. The MPs highlight this contrast.
British farming currently faces a crisis. Farmers rightly ask for a better arrangement from big supermarkets. Last year these supermarkets made over £5 billion in profit, while a typical family farm earns only £27,400. Farmers struggle to survive and rely on aid. This situation appears unfair and unsustainable.
The MPs worry about the supermarkets’ actions. They feel they fail to meet moral duties to farmers. They also fail to meet their business duties.
The MPs are concerned about “farmwashing.” Misleading labels suggest products are British. Often, these items are imported or from mega-farms. These farms pretend to be small family farms. It harms genuine family farms, and misleads consumers.
The NFU welcomed the MPs’ letter. The NFU also wants MPs to address inheritance tax concerns. Their president wants to work with MPs on this issue. A thriving sector requires addressing tax changes swiftly.
Everyone must value farming, they said. Retailers should support fair supply chains and the government should offer supportive laws. This includes trade policies that don’t undermine farmers.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) represents supermarkets. They insist they operate fairly. Contracts have independent oversight, says Andrew Opie. He directs food and sustainability at BRC. Retailers promote UK agriculture, being big buyers. They go beyond legal requirements, and clear labels promote British food.
