The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has welcomed the final report by the Competition Commission into the UK groceries market.
NFU president Peter Kendall said: “We’re pleased that, after such an exhaustive investigation, the commission has supported our long-held view that the food retail chain is not functioning as it should, and, if left unchecked, could have an adverse effect on consumers.”
“A strengthened mandatory code of practice backed by a proactive ombudsman, which the NFU recommended, is exactly what is required to help develop a framework of improved transparency and fairness in the food supply chain.”
“It is in everyone’s interests that the food supply chain is transparent and profitable, so that farmers and growers are able to supply the quality and the choice that consumers expect and deserve.”
Kendall also welcomed the commission’s suggestion that the government should consider extending the code of practice and the role of the ombudsman to cover farmers supplying processors and other intermediaries.
The code currently proposed only covers suppliers dealing directly with retailers.
