Over recent months, the UK milk sector has experienced significant pressure from global milk supplies and commodity markets, leading to a sudden and sharp fall in milk prices.
As the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA), my role is to promote fairness, transparency and good practice across agricultural supply chains, including the milk sector.
The Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 (FDOM24) do not set milk prices. These will continue to be determined by global and local supply and demand. However, the regulations do require milk purchasers to apply price changes fairly, transparently and in line with their contracts.
I am the impartial point of contact for anyone in the sector who has concerns about unreasonable behaviour or non-compliance under FDOM24.
To build on our existing understanding of how the UK milk sector is responding, we are inviting those across the sector to share their views in a short survey.
The survey asks about the regulations, the role of the ASCA, and how relationships between producers and purchasers have worked during this challenging period.
Your feedback will help us understand what is working well and where the regulations may need further support or attention.
Whether you’re a dairy farmer, processor, or part of a representative organisation, we’d like to hear from you. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete.
It is now open. It will close on Monday 20 April.
Milk Sector Survey 2026: share your views
I look forward to reviewing the results and using the insights to help support fair and transparent relationships across the milk supply chain.
Get in touch
My team and I are continuing our work to raise awareness of the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA). This includes recently featuring on the Farming Podcast.
Additionally, we’re exploring how we can expand support available to the sector.
While anyone in the sector can contact the adjudicator about concerns under FDOM24, we have also introduced an ‘in confidence’ option for those who wish to raise issues confidentially.
While we can’t open a formal investigation under the regulations without a formal complaint, the information you provide can help inform the adjudicator’s work and highlight potential issues in the sector.
Over time, this can help encourage fairer business practices.
You can contact my office in confidence by email:
ASCA-in-confidence@defra.gov.uk
For general enquiries or to make a formal complaint, email:
asca@defra.gov.uk
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