Frontier Agriculture has submitted its response to Defra’s consultation on contractual practice in the UK combinable crops sector.

Through its submission, Frontier is sharing insight drawn from working with more than 14,000 grower customers and a wide range of grain customers, including millers, maltsters and other food and drink manufacturers, as well as feed and export supply chains. Frontier has also included suggestions for practical improvements to strengthen supply chain resilience and support confidence for all parties. Frontier’s role helps keep grain moving efficiently and meet quality requirements for UK food and animal feed.

Defra’s consultation seeks views on how contracts operate and whether arrangements can support a fair, transparent and resilient supply chain. Frontier’s response focuses on practical measures that build confidence for growers while recognising the realities of operating in a complex, time-sensitive market.

In its submission, the company highlighted:

• clarity of standards and terms: the importance of clear, accessible contract information so growers can make informed decisions and manage risk effectively

• sampling, testing and intake processes: the value of consistent procedures, good practice and recognised standards to support confidence in outcomes

• data and transparency: the role of timely, accessible information to help growers understand results and decisions through the intake and movement process

• dispute resolution: the value of clear routes to raise questions, resolve issues quickly and provide confidence if escalation is needed

• a proportionate approach: improvements that strengthen fairness and transparency without creating unintended operational burdens across the supply chain

Diana Overton, managing director at Frontier Agriculture, said: “This is an important opportunity to share evidence and constructive input on how contracts work in practice across the supply chain. We support steps that improve clarity, consistency and confidence for growers, while recognising the need for a supply chain that remains responsive to weather, logistics and customer demand and quality standards.”

The submission is also a practical example of Frontier’s commitment to ‘raising our voice’ on the issues that matter to its customers and the wider industry, as set out in the company’s Annual Report 2025 and corporate strategy.