A British farmer has voiced serious concerns over slashed vegetable prices in the run-up to Christmas, calling them an “insult” to those working in agriculture.
Speaking on national television, grower Clive Bailye criticised major retailers for pricing festive staples “way below the cost of production.” He warned that these bargain-bin offers—often as low as 8p—are hammering the farming community at a time when they should be seeing the greatest returns.
“They’re almost giving these things away,” Bailye said. “It’s devaluing food. It’s no wonder our Government places little value on farming when produce is basically free in some shops.”
Farmers report buying supermarket vegetables in bulk to feed livestock because it is cheaper than purchasing standard animal feed. Bailye is especially wary of the claim that retailers suffer sizeable losses during such promotions. “They might occasionally take a hit, but large retailers don’t lose money overall,” he remarked.
However, many chains argue they have little choice but to match or beat competitors’ prices in the race for holiday shoppers. The weeks leading up to Christmas are pivotal for foot traffic, with discounts on everyday essentials serving as a key draw. By offering bargain deals, supermarkets aim to entice customers through their doors and boost sales on other items.
Jack Ward, chief executive of British Growers, urged consumers and industry leaders to consider the long-term impact of these steep discounts on the farming sector. “When prices are driven so low, it’s the growers who ultimately bear the burden,” Ward cautioned.
As the festive season intensifies competition between retailers, Britain’s growers are left questioning whether heavy discounting can truly be balanced with fair returns for those who produce the nation’s food.
Comments