AT LAST SUPERMARKETS WILL BE CALLED TO ACCOUNT

The Tenant Farmers Association has warmly welcomed today’s announcement from the Competition Commission that it is to introduce measures to curb unfair practices resulting from the dominance of major retailers in the food supply chain. 

 

TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn said “For many years, the TFA has been concerned about the increasing power of supermarkets in the food supply chain and their ability to drive hard and sometimes unfair terms on suppliers, many of whom are small producers. Although a voluntary Code of Practice has been tried, the TFA has always argued for a statutory scheme backed by an ombudsman with teeth. We believe that today’s announcement from the Competition Commission delivers that”.

 

The TFA is aware that farmers are often reluctant to come forward to raise complaints against supermarkets for fear of the consequences that may follow. The TFA therefore welcomes the fact that the Competition Commission is to allow suppliers and primary producers to make confidential complaints which will then be investigated by the Groceries Ombudsman who will apply a new and enhanced Code of Practice.

 

“Retailers are clearly major drivers in the food supply chain. There is no doubt that consumers value the services they provide. However, with the increasing pressure on suppliers and primary producers the TFA has significant concerns about the long term sustainability of many agricultural holdings particularly in the livestock and dairy sectors. This will have long term implications for consumers which need to be addressed now” said Mr Dunn.

 

“The TFA is simply looking for fair contracts, on a fair basis with a fair means of redress where things go wrong. Good retailers will have nothing to fear from these arrangements and those involved in bad practice should be rooted out and dealt with appropriately” said Mr Dunn.

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For further information contact George Dunn, TFA Chief Executive on 0118 930 6130 or 07721 998 961.

 

The Tenant Farmers Association is the only organisation dedicated to the agricultural tenanted sector and is the authentic voice of tenant farmers. The TFA lobbies at all levels of Government and gives expert advice to members.