Industry News

- New Dairy Adjudicator

- Medicine Hub

- Defra seeking views of cattle farmers

Appointment of adjudicator to support dairy producers

To improve fairness in the dairy supply chain, the Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations (FDOM24) were introduced in 2024.

These rules aim to bring clarity to milk purchase contracts and ensure better protection for dairy farmers. To enforce these regulations, the role of Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) was established, with Richard Thompson appointed in autumn 2024.

What is FDOM24?

FDOM24 sets clear guidelines for milk purchase contracts, ensuring transparency and fairness for both producers and processors.

Key provisions include:

Contracts must be in writing, signed by both parties.
Clear terms on pricing, contract duration, termination, and dispute resolution are required.
All contracts must meet these standards by 9 July 2025.

These regulations aim to provide a clearer and more transparent framework for the dairy industry.

How can dairy producers raise a complaint?

Producers can file a complaint if:

They don’t have a written contract.
Their contract is missing required terms or includes terms that violate the regulations.
The purchaser uses a variable price and doesn’t explain changes within 7 days.

The ASCA can impose fines up to 1% of the purchaser’s turnover and may require compensation for the producer.

Encouraging positive change

Beyond resolving complaints, the role of the ASCA is to focus on promoting best practices and fostering a culture of fairness in the industry. By engaging with producers, purchasers, and stakeholders, the Adjudicator can encourage transparency and prevent issues before they arise.

The appointment of the ASCA represents a significant step toward a fairer, more transparent dairy industry. With FDOM24 in place, producers should expect clearer contracts, better protection, and a more equitable relationship with purchasers.

For more details on FDOM24 and how to file a complaint, visit the GOV.UK website here.

Attention cattle farmers: quick survey – your input needed!

Defra is asking all cattle farmers to take part in a short survey - it’s just 7 quick questions and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

This survey will support the UK’s application for BSE negligible risk status, recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Achieving this status will boost international trade for British beef and feed products, benefiting the entire industry.

They need to understand what types of feed storage units are used on farms and their age. The more farmers take part, the better the picture they get of the whole industry.

Your participation is voluntary, and your data is protected.

Take the survey here:

English Version Welsh Version

Have you heard about the Medicine Hub?

Backed by widespread industry support, AHDB launched the Med Hub in 2020. It's a secure online platform for recording antibiotic use in ruminants.

The initiative is pivotal in enabling the industry to substantiate its commitment to responsible antibiotic usage to consumers, the supply chain, as well as to global competitors and customers. This type of system has been in place for years in the British pig sector, which has allowed the industry to show significant improvements on reducing antibiotic use.

Farmers already hold farm records on antibiotic use but recording this centrally will provide evidence that the cattle and sheep sectors are some of the lowest users of antibiotics.