Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson has reiterated her party’s call for the Coalition Government to approve the legislation which would establish a Groceries Code Adjudicator. The MLA’s call comes hard on the heels of recent protests by local dairy producers whoare campaigning for a fair price for their produce.
“In recent days we have witnessed the deep concern which exists amongst our local dairy farmers. Now, more than ever, a referee is needed to help ensure that all elements of the food supply chain are pulling together for the benefit of the entire industry.
“The Ulster Unionist Party has led on this issueand has long pressed for ‘Fair Play for our Farmers.’” said Mrs Dobson “In 2007we launched a campaign which called for profits to be more equally distributed across the supply chain, between supermarkets, food processors and producers to ensure the long-term stability, sustainability and profitability of the industry as a whole.
“In May of this year, I welcomed the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that a Bill to empower an adjudicator tohelp ensure that large retailers treat farmers and suppliers fairly was to be brought before Parliament.
“The fact that the Bill makes provision for third parties, such as farming Unions, to make complaints to the regulator on behalf of their members is also to be welcomed. The Ulster Unionist Partyc ampaigned for this issue in our Programme for Government and believe that this would further ensure the voice of farmers is heard and action taken in the best interests of their industry.
“Given the recent issues raised by dairy producers, both in Northern Ireland and across the wider United Kingdom, my Party is again calling for this issue to be treated as a matter of urgency and for the Bill to be made law as soon as possible.
“Our dairy producers are facing a clear disparity between their cost of production and the price which consumers are paying for milk, a disparity which, if left unchecked, could have long-term damaging effects on the entire Northern Ireland dairy industry.
“We believe an adjudicator should be given the necessary ‘teeth’ to ensure that all our farmers, growers and suppliers receive a fairer share of the price paid at the supermarket checkout and that they are provided with some protections from unfair practices such as; retailers making retrospective changes to supply agreements or failing to pay suppliers within a reasonable time frame.
It is counterproductive for an imbalance of power to exist within the supply chain which ultimately works against everyone’s best interests. The quality and reliability of the produce of Northern Ireland farmers is well recognised and valued by local consumers. The swift introduction of a regulator, prior to the ending of milk quotas, would provide the necessary protection and stability required by this industry as it looks towards the future.”