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Supermarket watchdog could be let loose down on the farm
Alex Ralph
October 19 2016, 12:01am, The Times
The government will consider evidence for giving the supermarket watchdog greater responsibility for the fair treatment of farmers
CHRISTOPHER FURLONG/GETTY IMAGES
The government is considering extending the remit of the supermarket watchdog to cover farmers and other producers amid concerns about unfair practices.
Ministers launched a statutory review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator yesterday and also began a consultation on whether the body should cover more of the supply chain.
The GCA was formed in 2013 to stamp out mistreatment of suppliers by the big supermarket chains, but at present it oversees only the ten largest grocers and their direct suppliers.
Margot James, a business minister, said that the government would consider evidence for giving the adjudicator greater responsibility after issues were raised by suppliers, particularly farmers and other primary producers, not covered by the industry code.
The National Farmers’ Union welcomed the announcement. Meurig Raymond, its president, said that the group wanted agri-sector voluntary codes of practice, such as those covering dairy and livestock, to be made compulsory and overseen by the GCA to “give them more teeth”.
“This will give primary producers the confidence that the supply chain is not abusing their power and position over that of the British farmer,” he said.
Alex Ralph
October 19 2016, 12:01am, The Times
The government will consider evidence for giving the supermarket watchdog greater responsibility for the fair treatment of farmers
CHRISTOPHER FURLONG/GETTY IMAGES
The government is considering extending the remit of the supermarket watchdog to cover farmers and other producers amid concerns about unfair practices.
Ministers launched a statutory review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator yesterday and also began a consultation on whether the body should cover more of the supply chain.
The GCA was formed in 2013 to stamp out mistreatment of suppliers by the big supermarket chains, but at present it oversees only the ten largest grocers and their direct suppliers.
Margot James, a business minister, said that the government would consider evidence for giving the adjudicator greater responsibility after issues were raised by suppliers, particularly farmers and other primary producers, not covered by the industry code.
The National Farmers’ Union welcomed the announcement. Meurig Raymond, its president, said that the group wanted agri-sector voluntary codes of practice, such as those covering dairy and livestock, to be made compulsory and overseen by the GCA to “give them more teeth”.
“This will give primary producers the confidence that the supply chain is not abusing their power and position over that of the British farmer,” he said.
