Mr Raymond will represent EU farmers and co-operatives on the forum through the European farmers’ organisation Copa-Cogeca. The forum seeks to improve relationships across the whole chain from consumers to farmers, processors and retailers.
It will be jointly chaired by Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan along with the Commissioners for the Internal Market, Health and Food Safety. Improvements in the food chain have been a particular priority of Commissioner Hogan during recent months, particularly in the wake of falling commodity prices across Europe.
Speaking in Brussels after his election Mr Raymond said: “I am very pleased to have this opportunity to work on the improvement of the European food supply chain.
“The NFU lobbied hard for the government to introduce the Groceries Code and Adjudicator in the UK. Although it isn’t perfect, it has improved relations between suppliers and retailers. I will be highlighting our experience – as Commissioner Hogan so frequently does – to my colleagues on the forum to ensure our example of best practice is shared throughout Europe.
“The NFU continues to call on the European Commission to bring forward legislation to deal with unfair trading practices. We want to ensure that British farmers receive a fair deal in the food chain both at home and abroad.
“The new High Level Forum is a chance to improve the food chain for the long term - deal with unfair trading, iron out volatility and create opportunities for the farming sector. The food chain is now in the political spotlight, and I intend to keep it there.”