NFU Scotland is calling for urgent action to address deep-rooted imbalances in the combinable crops supply chain following the launch of a UK Government consultation on contractual practice and fairness.
The consultation, published on 10 December, seeks views from farmers, traders and processors on the transparency, clarity and fairness of contracts across the wheat, barley, oats, and oilseed rape sectors.
NFU Scotland Vice-President Robert Neill said:
“This is a pivotal moment for Scotland’s arable sector. NFU Scotland has consistently called for this consultation, so its launch is a welcome and important step forward. But the message from our members is clear – words must now lead to meaningful reform. For too long, growers have shouldered the risk in an increasingly dysfunctional market.”
The consultation follows one of the hardest harvests in recent years. After a dry spring and summer, growers – especially malting barley producers – faced huge pressure, with many seeing their crops rejected, hit by testing issues, and sold for far less than expected if they didn’t meet strict standards.
“Malting barley is a premium product, but that premium is no longer reaching the farmgate,” Mr Neill added. “Growers are being left to carry the can for decisions made beyond their control, whether it’s vague contract wording, inconsistent testing standards, or an unwillingness to share risk.”
NFUS is also highlighting the pressure being felt by maltsters, with some having contracts pulled unexpectedly, creating further strain across the supply chain and ultimately impacting primary producers. The situation reinforces the need for joined-up thinking and shared responsibility at every level of the supply chain.
NFU Scotland has long campaigned for greater fairness and transparency in crop contracts, including improvements in sampling procedures, agreed standards, dispute resolution and pricing mechanisms. These priorities are reflected in the Government’s consultation, giving producers a rare opportunity to push for change.
Recent trends suggest that some arable growers are already changing cropping plans, with a shift toward oilseed rape and oats at the expense of spring barley, particularly malting barley. NFUS warns that without change, vital sectors like the Scotch whisky industry could suffer knock-on impacts from a declining grower base.
Jack Stevenson, NFUS Combinable Crops Chair, said:
“Barley and other combinable crops are the backbone of arable farming in Scotland. But without change, many growers will simply walk away. That has serious implications for rural economies, and iconic industries like Scotch whisky.”
Recent NFUS engagement with the UK trade and the Maltsters Association of Great Britain has highlighted that current practices are unsustainable, particularly when growers are facing spiralling input costs, tightening margins and volatile global markets.
NFUS is urging:
- Clear, fair and enforceable contracts that remove ambiguity.
- A fair mechanism to raise disputes.
- Proportionate testing and rejection processes, with an ability to bring in an objective third party if needed.
- More collaboration across the supply chain to build trust and understanding.
- A long-term commitment to backing Scottish growers, from maltsters and distillers.
The roll-out of Fair Dealing Obligations is a central part of NFU Scotland’s wider work on supply chain reform. NFUS continues to engage proactively with UK and Scottish officials on the Fresh Produce proposals to guard against unintended consequences for horticulture.
“We’re calling on the whole supply chain, from processors to distillers, to step up,” said Mr Neill. “The Scottish farming industry is prepared to innovate, adapt and lead. But we need people to work with us, not make life harder.”
NFUS is encouraging all growers to respond to the UK Government’s consultation before the deadline and will be submitting a detailed response to reflect member concerns.
Notes to editors:
- A photograph of NFU Scotland Vice-President Robert Neill is attached.
- The UK Government consultation on Contractual Practice in the UK Combinable Crops Sector is open until 4 February 2026. Link: GOV.UK Consultation Page
- NFUS policy themes include Fairness in the Supply Chain, one of five key pillars in its current strategy, here.
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Contact Carly Ross on 07860 642826