A survey for the pig sector
The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) has launched a survey of the UK pig sector to better understand current challenges, awareness of the Fair Dealing Obligations and experiences across the supply chain.
Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson is the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator.
Richard is a Lay Member of the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) Disciplinary Panel, Independent Complaints Assessor at the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC), and a Lay Member of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) Disciplinary Pool.
Richard was formerly Principal Ombudsman and Quality Director at the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). He was also Head of Consumer Enforcement at the Office of Communications (Ofcom), Competition Policy Manager at the Office of Telecommunications (Oftel), and Investigating Officer at the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
Richard is also an accredited Commercial Mediator.
A survey for the milk sector
The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator is inviting people across the milk sector to complete a short survey on milk pricing and supply chain relationships. This will help to understand how the regulations are working and how the sector is responding to current conditions.
Farming podcast: how to build a fairer, more transparent supply chain
Posted by:
Graham Higgins and Richard Thompson, Posted on:
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Categories:
Future Farming Podcast, Supply chain
In this post, we share the latest podcast featuring Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator Richard Thompson with Paul Tompkins (NFU Dairy Board Chair) and Michael Masters (Barber's Farmhouse Cheesemakers). They discuss building a fairer, more transparent supply chain following new regulations. We also include a link to, and summary of, the ACSA's first annual report.
Fairer supply chains: supporting the pig sector
The Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025 (FDOP2025) will come into force from 13 August. FDOP2025 is designed to make contracts fairer and more transparent across the pig industry. In this guest post, Richard Thompson, the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) shares an overview.
One year on: highlights and milestones of the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator
In this post, Richard Thompson reflects on his first year as the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator, highlighting milestones and progress. He also shares insights from a recent sector survey and looks ahead to upcoming developments in the pig sector.
New rules for fair milk contracts: supporting dairy producers
Posted by:
Richard Thompson, Posted on:
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Categories:
Farming and Countryside Team, Guest post, Supply chain
The Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations (FDOM24) set out how milk purchase contracts must operate. FDOM24 is designed to make these contracts fairer and more transparent across the dairy industry. In this guest post, Richard Thompson, the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) shares an overview of his role and what to look for in your contact.
Related content and links
Our monthly newsletter
Each month, we bring together the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, consultations, research and statistics, helping you stay informed about the issues that matter to you.
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10 October Alwinton Show at Gallow Law, Alwinton, Northumberland.
15 October Soil Association Organic Trade Conference at the Barbican Centre, London.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending.
Helping farmers access water this autumn
The Environment Agency is giving farmers greater flexibility by letting existing abstraction licence holders start refilling their water storage reservoirs early, a month ahead of usual schedule. This temporary change runs from 1 October to 31 October.
We recognise the difficulty in getting a long duration abstraction licence and the blocker this presents to long-term investment in sustainable abstraction practices.
As part of the package announced on 1 October to support farmers to access water, the Environment Agency have made it easier for those who don’t currently have an abstraction license to apply for licences that better support long-term investment.
Full details of the changes and information on how to be compliant can be found on the Environment Agency blog.
National Young Farmers Week
This week is National Young Farmers Week. Visit the NFYFC website for details on how to take part in the club scarecrow-building challenge, the YFC Food Drop, and show your support on social media.
Storing fertiliser safely
If you are ordering fertiliser for the coming season, check that it can be stored safely and securely before delivery. The action you need to take depends on the type and quantity of fertiliser.
Follow the relevant guidance to protect people, prevent contamination or deterioration, and meet the rules for storing ammonium nitrate and other substances.
Read the AIC’s guide to storing, handling & transporting ammonium nitrate and the HSE’s steps to take.
Get advice
The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.
Join a webinar
Livestock disease guidance
Preparing your business for the UK-EU SPS agreement
Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.
