Farming

Farmers and SMEs concerned by supermarket merger

Published

7 years ago

May 16, 2018

Merging?: Mike Coupe (L) with Judith McKenna (Walmart) and Roger Burney (Asda)

THE TENANT FARMERS ASSOCIATION (TFA) is calling for the Government to rethink its refusal to extend the remit of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) in light of the proposed merger between Asda and Sainsbury’s.

The planned merger, which will probably be referred to the Competition and Mergers Authority, would create the UK’s largest supermarket chain. However, a merged company would still not be as big as Tesco was only a couple of years ago, when that company had over 30% of the UK’s supermarket retail share.

The combined strength of the merged business poses a threat to suppliers, who could find their margins squeezed as the company would be able to depress prices paid to primary producers by manufacturers. That prospect was well flagged up during a BBC News interview with Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe.

Mr Coupe told the BBC that there will be no store closures and no in-store staff redundancies, the inference that can be drawn is that jobs will go both in administration and back office operations, as well as logistics. The most likely way to deliver savings would be to increase the company’s margin or arrangements with producers and suppliers. Mr Coupe told the BBC that the merged company would have the potential to reduce prices through supply chain efficiencies.

Unfair practices within the retail supply chain led the Government to establish the GCA in 2013 to oversee direct supply contracts between retailers and suppliers. However it recently refused to extend the remit to include oversight of relationships further upstream between farmers and processors which could be impacted by the dominance of retailers.

TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn said “The merger between Asda and Sainsbury’s announced this week should cause the Government to rethink its strategy here. When Sainsbury’s boss Mike Coupe pledged to cut prices on everyday products by 10%, alarm bells rang out across the industry. It is suppliers who will be expected to shoulder the cost of these savings.

“There is a growing recognition that the food supply chain in the UK is dysfunctional and all too often it is the farming community which bears the brunt of the problems that this produces. Poor returns, last-minute changes in orders and specifications, unfair competition from abroad and poor labelling are all contributing to the pressures at farm level,” said Mr Dunn.

“Given that the vast majority of farm produce passes through at least one processor, if not more, before it hits supermarket shelves, the Adjudicator is therefore unable to consider the impact of retailer activity on many farmers,” said Mr Dunn.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday (Apr 30), Business Minister, Andrew Griffiths MP, referred to the work of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, but failed to address why the Government had decided to do nothing to protect primary suppliers. This was despite being challenged by Labour’s Shadow Agriculture Minister, David Drew MP on how the Government planned to tackle further potential supply chain abuse between farmers, processors and retailers.

“The TFA agrees that the GCA has had a positive impact on the groceries market by ensuring that there is a greater focus on the principles of fair trading. Retailers are now more aware of the need to ensure that they are not using their dominant position within the supply chain to engage in inappropriate practices. However the extent of the influence of the GCA is limited by its current legislative powers both in terms of the scope of its remit and its ways of working. The Government needs to act now to ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place to guard against future abuse in the light of further concentration in the retail sector,” said Mr Dunn.

“Well-meaning initiatives aimed at improving supply chain relationships on a voluntary basis have failed to have the necessary traction across the board. We must deepen and broaden the GCA’s powers to allow it to look at the whole of the supply chain and not just direct supply contracts to ensure fairness in supply chains.”

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry, said: “A merger of this size will concentrate a lot of power in the hands of one giant company, and it’s important that power isn’t misused to coerce small suppliers into accepting unfair contracts and poor payment terms.

“Those at the top of Sainsbury’s and Asda should explain how they plan to merge these two supply chains fairly, and give reassurance that cost savings won’t be achieved simply by milking their small suppliers for all they’re worth.

“When investigating this proposed merger, the Competition and Markets Authority should be looking for cast-iron commitments that a positive standard will be set for working with smaller suppliers.”

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “The proposed merger will raise many concerns for farmers given the huge power a new mega company could exert over the supply chain.

“If the government were to allow such a merger, we would need to see a step change in regulation of the supply chain and the powers of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, otherwise there is a risk of severe abuses taking place which further undermine farmers and suppliers.”

NFU Cymru President John Davies said: “NFU Cymru and the NFU will be examining the details of this proposed merger between Sainsbury’s and Asda carefully and the further concentration of retail power it creates within the food supply chain. We will also seek clarity on what the structure of any merger will be.

“We will be requesting a meeting with Sainsbury’s and Asda to ensure that the commitment of the new business to British sourcing will not be affected. First and foremost the NFU Cymru and the NFU will be seeking to understand what potential impact a merger would have on our members – both those farmers who are directly part of these supply chains and those who could be affected by wider connotations.

“With just over 31% of the market potentially being held by one company the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is likely to consider the impact on shoppers – but that must also take account of changes to supply arrangements that could give rise to a reduction in choice and availability over the long term. The impact of the whole supply chain, all the way down to farm level, needs to be carefully assessed.

“NFU Cymru and NFU support any investigation by the CMA and we would aim to feed into this if approached.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Agriculture Cllr William Powell said: “Welsh farmers will be justifiably concerned this merger will produce a supermarket that is simply too powerful, leaving suppliers at its mercy.

“Farmers already work with tight profit margins and face the multiple challenges of Brexit, including diminishing farm support and obstacles to accessing the vital EU Single Market. This merger must not be allowed to threaten them further.”

Farming

Special farming role for senior Pembrokeshire councillor

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN OFFICIAL special farming role for Pembrokeshire’s deputy leader is to be established following a call made to full council, the first time the council has had such a role for a senior member.

In a question to council leader Cllr Jon Harvey, heard at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council meeting, Conservative group leader Cllr Di Clements asked: “With the recent changes in the budget from the UK Labour Government on Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief, many Pembrokeshire farmers are feeling concerned for the future of their family farms, many in Pembrokeshire which have been in the same family for generations.

“I have always found it disappointing that in all the years I have been a councillor, and the major contribution farming has to this county’s economic, cultural and environmental well-being, there has never been a Cabinet Member’s title with rural affairs or farming, or agriculture within it.

“To show that this council recognises the importance of agriculture, and the hundreds of millions of pounds generated by farming, will the Leader consider including it in one of the titles of his Cabinet Members’ portfolio?”

Responding, Cllr Harvey said: “I full share your perspective; it’s true this council has never had a Cabinet member with this role; however I can reconsider, I regard all aspects of rural life as vitally important.”

He told members farming and rural affairs came under the portfolio of the deputy leader [Cllr Paul Miller], adding: “we’re all aware of the changing aspects of rural life at the moment, we do have a rural affairs champion in Cllr Steve Alderman, but I’ve had a conversation with the deputy leader and agreed to review this title to reflect the importance of the role and will happily make an announcement in the next few days.”

Cllr Clements responded: “These words say a lot, it shows this council recognises the importance of the most constant and probably most important business in the county.”

Farming

Call for Pembrokeshire to oppose farming inheritance tax withdrawn

Published

5 days ago

December 14, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL on Pembrokeshire County Council to oppose government changes to inheritance tax affecting family farms has been withdrawn, but its proposer hopes his motion will return to a future meeting.

At the Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced farmers would have to pay inheritance tax on agricultural property and land worth more than £1 million at a rate of 20 per cent, with a £3m threshold for couples passing on their farms.

This compares to a 40 per cent rate on other estates.

A Notice of Motion by Councillor Aled Thomas, ‘relating to Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities’ was to be heard at the December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council meeting.

Cllr Thomas, who stood as a Conservative candidate for Ceredigion-Preseli in the 2024 general election, asked that: “Pembrokeshire County Council notes its concern to the proposed changes to inheritance tax announced by the Labour Government in the recent Autumn budget, which would scrap Agricultural Property Relief (APR).

“APR has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship. This tax is estimated to impact over 70,000 family farms, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000, which will force many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership over family ownership.”

It called on the council to resolve to “oppose the Labour Government’s changes to inheritance tax affecting family farms,” to “advocate for the exemption of family farms to preserve the UK’s food security, rural communities, environmental initiatives,” and to “commit to maintaining its county council farms portfolio, particularly to encourage younger and new generations of farmers into the industry”.

It finished: “This council urges all councillors to stand with Britain’s family farms, to support our rural communities, and to protect the environment by formally rejecting this proposed ‘family farm tax’.”

At the December 12 meeting Presiding Member Cllr Simon Hancock informed members the notice had been withdrawn from the meeting.

Speaking after the announcement, Cllr Thomas, himself a farmer, said: “There was a dispute whether I should have been allowed to submit it as I am a farmer, so I took advice from the monitoring officer that I should withdraw it until I can get a dispensation from the standards committee to speak on the matter.”

He said he hoped to get the motion resubmitted to be heard at the next council meeting.

Farming

Welsh Lamb shines at the Winter Fair Taste Awards

Published

7 days ago

December 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE ROYAL WELSH WINTER FAIR TASTE AWARDS, showcasing the finest native lamb breeds of Wales in a celebration of sustainability, flavour and culinary excellence, were hosted by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS).

The awards, held in collaboration with Cambrian Training Company, the Culinary Association of Wales and the National Culinary Team Wales, spotlighted the exceptional quality of Welsh Lamb and its unique characteristics.

The competition aimed to promote native Welsh Lamb breeds and emphasise their distinct flavours, encouraging chefs, businesses and consumers to consider Welsh Lamb a premium product.

The RWAS says the competition provides a vital platform to showcase the exceptional flavours of native Welsh Lamb breeds while promoting sustainable farming practices.

These lambs are grass-fed, raised in Wales and come with full traceability from farm to fork. The initiative aims to highlight the story behind the meat and the dedicated efforts of farmers in preserving these breeds.

Societies representing seven native Welsh Lamb breeds participated in the competition, held at the Cambrian Training Company building on the Royal Welsh Showground at Llanelwedd.

Each breed’s lamb was expertly cooked by chefs and presented to a distinguished panel of judges, including Dilwyn Evans, a vet featured on TV series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, Steven Owen, Castell Howell development chef, Neil Fenn, Professor Rhian Goodfellow, OBE and Arwyn Watkins, OBE, executive chair of Cambrian Training Group.

The breeds showcased included Badger Face Welsh Mountain (Torddu and Torwen), Balwen Welsh Mountain, Black Welsh Mountain, Clun Forest, South Wales Mountain, Llanwenog and Pedigree Welsh Mountain.

Each lamb had been bred, born and reared in Wales, ensuring sustainable and traceable farming practices.

The awards highlighted the diversity among native Welsh Lamb breeds, from the Torddu and Torwen’s hardy nature to the Llanwenog’s docile temperament and premium meat quality.

Farmers and breed societies demonstrated the unique traits of their lambs, such as flavour, sustainability and adaptability to diverse farming environments.

Arthur Davies (South Wales Mountain) and I. T. Davies & Son (Clun Forest) were declared joint winners of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Taste Awards. Both breeds impressed the judges with their remarkable flavour, tenderness and quality, showcasing the very best of Welsh Lamb.

The event emphasised the importance of promoting the culinary excellence of Welsh Lamb alongside its visual appeal in show rings.

Guest judge, Dilwyn Evans said: “It has been an absolute honour to judge the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Taste Awards and experience first-hand the superior taste of native Welsh Lamb.

“This exceptional meat not only embodies the rich heritage and dedication of Welsh farming but also highlights the importance of preserving these unique breeds and the sustainable practices behind them.”

The RWAS thanked the judges and Cambrian Training Group for their continued support, helping ensure the lambs were cooked to perfection for the competition.

With the awards, Wales has cemented its position as a leader in premium lamb production, bringing the exceptional flavours of its native breeds to the forefront of the culinary world.