Defra Fresh Produce Fair Dealing Proposals – Second Version for Feedback by 26/09/2025

Defra have now issued the second consultation document relating to fair dealings in the fresh produce sector.

The aim of the proposals are to improve fairness in the fresh produce supply chain by addressing the risk of unfair practices in contracts between producers and business purchasers. Building on the 2023/24 consultation (summary available here) , Defra developed initial regulatory proposals aimed at increasing transparency and tackling unfairness where it exists.

Defra are now sharing the second version of the proposals for your review and feedback. These documents can be found below.

Also attached is the Summary of Responses report, which outlines the feedback received on the initial proposals and the resulting changes made to the first draft. It also includes a set of FAQs to support understanding on topics where multiple questions were received.

This new iteration includes several new provisions, including but not limited to:

• A notice to disapply

• Timing for making agreements

• A proposed definition of "fresh produce" for the purpose of the regulations

Defra welcome your feedback on the proposals as a whole, but would particularly appreciate your views on these new elements. Please send any feedback by 26/09/2025 to freshproducecontractconsultation@defra.gov.uk.

Members are welcome to contact FPC at any point to discuss the proposals and a joint response can be provided on behalf of members.