Our panel event on Fair Supply Chains at the Royal Highland Show last week offered a timely opportunity to reflect on one of the most pressing issues facing members: how we build supply chains that are not only efficient, but genuinely fair, transparent and resilient.
The marquee was full to standing room only, a clear sign of how strongly this issue resonates with farmers, crofters and those working across the food and drink sector. Bringing together political, regulatory, retail and industry perspectives, the discussion explored what fairer supply chains should look like in practice, and what needs to change if producers are to have the confidence to invest for the future.
Members heard from Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee; Richard Thompson, Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator; and Joe Prosho, Head of Sustainable Sourcing and Agriculture at ASDA. Their different perspectives helped bring the wider policy debate back to the practical realities experienced by producers every day.
The questions from members highlighted the breadth of the challenge. Discussion ranged from reflections on the Fair Dealing Obligations for the milk sector and the lessons that could be applied to other commodities, to the importance of fairness during the current pressures facing the pork sector. Members also raised concerns about the potential impact of Brazilian beef entering the UK market as a result of trade decisions elsewhere, and what more can be done to ensure imported products do not undercut domestic producers working to higher standards.
President Andrew Connon underlined the importance of fair and effective supply chains for producers, retailers and consumers alike. The conversation turned to [MW1.1]practical measures that could improve transparency, and the need to strengthen trust across the supply chain.
As highlighted by the First Minister, secure and resilient food supply chains are fundamental to Scotland's economy, food security and rural communities. However, resilience cannot be achieved without profitability at farm level. Producers must be able to earn sustainable returns if they are to continue investing in food production, environmental delivery and animal welfare.
Our members continue to face challenges around profitability, transparency and market fairness. While Scottish farmers consistently deliver high-quality food backed by strong environmental and welfare credentials, there remains significant scope to improve how value is shared across the supply chain. At the same time, retailers and processors face increasing pressure to deliver resilient, transparent and sustainable supply chains. There is growing recognition that long-term food security depends on a profitable domestic farming sector and that greater fairness, transparency and collaboration across the supply chain are essential to achieving that goal.
The strength of attendance and the quality of questions demonstrated that fairer supply chains are not an abstract issue. They go to the heart of farm business viability, consumer confidence, food security and the future of rural communities.
The challenge now is to turn discussion into delivery. Greater transparency, clearer labelling, meaningful enforcement and long-term collaboration between producers, processors, retailers and government will be essential if supply chains are to deliver fairness in practice, not just in principle.
This was a recurring theme throughout the Royal Highland Show. We met with many of Scotland's major retailers, processors from the red meat, pork and poultry sectors, and political decision-makers, all of whom have a role to play in building a more resilient and equitable food system.
ShelfWatch continues to provide the evidence needed to drive that progress. By shining a light on sourcing and availability, it helps identify practical opportunities to increase support for Scottish produce and ensure that good intentions are translated into measurable outcomes.