NSA Scottish Region raises concerns over proposed food price caps

National Sheep Association (NSA) continues to actively engage in pivotal policy discussions, ensuring the interests of sheep farmers and the opportunities and practical realities of Scottish agriculture are heard.

NSA recognises many households continue to face cost-of-living pressures and supports efforts to improve access to affordable, nutritious food. However, responding to an ongoing consultation, NSA Scottish Region has questioned whether food price caps would deliver lasting benefits for consumers without creating further pressures across the supply chain.

In its response, NSA Scottish Region stresses food affordability must be considered alongside food security, domestic food production and the need for fair returns throughout the supply chain.

Food prices reflect real costs associated with producing, processing and supplying food. NSA Scottish Region is concerned that introducing food price caps would not remove those costs but would risk shifting them elsewhere in the supply chain, creating additional pressure on farmers and processors.

NSA Scottish Region is apprehensive that food price caps could influence sourcing decisions, weaken confidence in domestic food production and increase reliance on imported products. Policies that weaken the long-term viability of Scottish agriculture risk reducing the resilience of Scotland’s food system and exposing consumers to future supply disruptions.

Faye Bryce, NSA Scottish Region Policy Officer, says: “Everyone wants food to remain affordable, but we need to be careful that measures designed to help consumers do not create new pressures elsewhere in the food supply chain.

“While food price caps may appear straightforward, they risk creating unintended consequences for Scottish farmers, domestic food production and the long-term resilience of our food system.”

NSA Scottish Region has also highlighted the challenge a Scottish-only scheme may create. Differences in pricing rules could lead to inconsistencies within UK food markets, and any benefits may be experienced unevenly, particularly in remote and rural communities where consumers often rely on smaller retailers.

While government intervention may be required to address food insecurity and wider cost-of-living pressures, NSA Scottish Region believes targeted support for households represents a more effective and sustainable approach than direct intervention in retail food pricing.

NSA Scottish Region remains unconvinced that food price caps would achieve their intended aims and believes there is a significant risk of unintended consequences for consumers, producers and the wider food supply chain.