Farmers Weekly

Real Aim Of Supermarkets

(Letter to the Editor of Farmers Weekly)

UK farmers are operating at the mercy of supermarkets, which aim solely to make money for themselves. They say that they want to provide for customers but we know their real aim. There's one chain aiming to provide GM-free food. The others hypocritically demand farm assurance, while entrepreneurs set up assurance scheme businesses to be bought and sold.

Politicians of all colours tell us we are in a global market and we must accept that ethos. But they know that many products from other countries are heavily subsidised in discreet ways.

The latest answer for battered UK farmers is to go organic with supermarkets pushing the idea. The more production there is, the cheaper the products will become, they claim laughably.

What's the answer? UK Farms Marketing - a grand title but absolutely efficient with strong links and even ties with European co-ops.

This type of undertaking requires commitment, loyalty, and discipline from farmers. That's exactly what supermarkets will eventually demand from all their suppliers, with them in control of us.

The potential from this co-op is phenomenal. All farm products could be marketed using specialists to deal with buyers from feed mills, dairies and supermarkets and, just as important, a facility and willingness to deal with small operators.

Once the aim and spirit of this venture is organised, the buying power could be exploited. For example, British cars sold cheaper on the continent than at home could be re-imported. It may seem naive but it could be a way of reclaiming our own destiny.

John Fradgley
Shhoters' Hill Cottage, Wintbridge, Pontefract