Morrisons response to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre on purchasing practices

Morrisons purchasing practices are designed to deliver great value for money to customers in partnership with our suppliers and in line with our broader social and environmental commitments. Our ways of working with suppliers include a commitment to be fair, reasonable and transparent. We support the Groceries Supply Code of Practice and take care to abide by its principles of reasonable and fair dealing with suppliers.

Morrisons Ethical Trading Code is incorporated into our terms and conditions with suppliers. This requires the fair treatment of workers in line with the ETI base code. Suppliers agree to our terms and conditions before commencing supply to Morrisons. We are clear that the price agreed should support suppliers in complying with our standards, be sufficient to meet all costs of production and allow them to make a reasonable profit. If suppliers have concerns about this we would expect and encourage them to raise these with us.

After a set period of supply, for instance at the end of a growing season, Morrisons commercial and technical teams hold review meetings with fresh produce suppliers. During these meetings supplier performance against technical and compliance metrics is reviewed and suppliers are encouraged to also share their feedback and any concerns with the Morrisons team. Throughout the season visits to farms within the fresh produce supply chain will take place and any concerns with site standards will be raised with the site and supplier management teams. Beyond the UK, we employ a technical resource based in various countries around the world, which provides greater visibility at source.

Morrisons has launched a new trial to support farmers by underwriting 100% percent of the costs associated with growing crops. The trial will help British farmers mitigate the cost and weather pressures that come from the peaks and troughs of the season, including field rent and fertiliser cost, and gives farmers greater financial security with Morrisons shouldering all the risk. More information on this can be found here.