MPs to hold private session with producers to gather evidence for supply chain fairness inquiry

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee will be holding a 'private engagement event' with food producers to help inform its inquiry into Fairness in the Food Supply Chain.

During a public hearing last week, NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson set out her thoughts on the ongoing problems within the supply chain and the need for the Government to press ahead with regulations governing pig contracts. She also higlighted the need for retailers to be held accountable in any moves to deliver fairness in the supply chain. 

The MPs were told by the panel about the fear that exists across the farming sector, including pigs, that often prevented producers from speaking out in public.

EFRA chair Robert Goodwill said the committee appreciated the nervousness some people felt about speaking out in public and revealed the committee will be holding private sessions to enable anyone within the supply chain to do so without fear of reprisal.

EFRA has announced that the event will take place in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 30 in Parliament.

It said the hearing will enable the MPs to hear first-hand about their experiences of interacting with food processors, manufacturers and retailers. 

Discussions between producers and the Committee will take place privately and in confidence. Notes will be taken but these will be unattributed and for the Committee’s internal use only to inform the inquiry.

"The Committee has received evidence that producers are reluctant to speak out about abusive practices and power imbalances for fear of supermarkets and manufacturers delisting them as suppliers," EFRA said.

"This private session will therefore provide the Committee with the opportunity to speak frankly with producers about their experiences."

Any pig producers wishing to take part can contact the NPA at and we will pass the list onto EFRA, or EFRA directly at   

EFRA will send an information pack to participants with further details of arrangements for the session ahead of the event.