The Efra select committee has today moved to give the groceries code adjudicator new powers to combat the ‘climate of fear’ that exists in the groceries supply chain.
The announcement comes a week after NFU President Peter Kendall gave evidence to the committee and recommended amendments to make the draft bill stronger and the adjudicator more proactive.
The powers they have recommended would allow trade organisations to make complaints on behalf of farmers and growers, while also giving the adjudicator a mandate to undertake pro-active investigations with the power to impose financial penalties as soon as it is established.
NFU director of policy Martin Haworth said: “This is a real victory for farmers and growers. We are pleased that the Efra committee has listened to our concerns and acted on them. Giving the adjudicator the power to launch investigations on the basis of credible evidence, and allowing organisations such as the NFU to make complaints on behalf of our members, would send a strong message to retailers that unethical business practices will not be tolerated. We are pleased to have played a leading role in influencing this recommendation.”
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