The Scottish government is proposing a new policy that would place price limits on up to 50 essential food items, including milk, eggs, cheese, and rice. Under the plan, large supermarkets would be required to offer at least one version of these items at a fixed, lower price. If that product sells out, they could be required to offer another similar item at the same price. The policy is intended to help families struggling with the rising cost of living by making a "healthy basket of goods" more affordable. However, the proposal has raised concerns among farmers, who fear it could place additional financial pressure on them. Jamie Wyllie, a farmer and representative of the National Union of Farmers in Scotland, says that producers are already facing significant challenges. His farms, which focus on pigs, sheep, and crops for bread and cereal, have seen rising costs due to increases in national insurance, a potential new tax on fertilizers, and higher energy bills. He worries that a price cap could force producers to absorb even more costs, potentially leading them to shift away from food production or sell land for other uses, such as AI data centers. The Scottish government is currently seeking public feedback on the policy through a consultation process. However, 23 organizations have urged the government to reconsider, questioning the policy’s effectiveness. To address these concerns, the government has scheduled a "fair food summit" where Business Minister Tom Arthur will meet with representatives from both the farming and retail sectors. The event aims to facilitate dialogue across the supply chain, but some producers remain skeptical that both price caps and producer protections can be achieved at the same time. While the Scottish government’s plan is still under review, it has suggested possible adjustments, such as allowing prices to rise but keeping them below the rate of food inflation. The UK government has also encouraged retailers to freeze some prices, though it has not mandated this. First Minister John Swinney has emphasized the need to tackle the cost of living crisis, but the policy may face legal challenges. Its success will depend on convincing farmers like Wyllie that it can be implemented without harming their financial stability.