Time to take on the supermarkets say Liberal Democrats
19 Feb 2008
Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg has called for fair trade for British farmers and an end to the ‘bully-boy tactics’ of supermarket chains.
Speaking at the National Farmers’ Union Conference, Clegg will propose measures including a Food Trade Inspector with powers of investigation and anonymity for complainants.
He said: “I’m a liberal. I believe the market should set prices for goods. When that drives efficiency from farmers, and benefits consumers, I welcome it. But if it is delivered by threats, blacklisting, and bully-boy tactics, if it delivers only profits for the retailer, not lower prices on the shelf, the market has failed. We already have proof of price-fixing on milk.
“And some supermarkets used catastrophes like foot-and-mouth or the summer floods to drive down farm gate prices, while keeping retail prices unchanged. Turning tragedy into turnover is a disgrace. It’s time to take on the Trolleygarchs.
“The Competition Commission’s proposals just don’t go far enough. They’re only interested in increasing rivalry between supermarkets - even if that means we have to have hundreds more of them. Its remit didn’t allow it to look fully at the rough deal primary producers are getting, even though they’ve seen some damning evidence. They do, at least, call for someone else to monitor the supply chain. It’s got to happen.
“I want a strong Food Trade Inspector, with his own powers of investigation, to enable complaints to be properly examined - with total anonymity for complainants. And I want planning rules to stop, not encourage, another generation of out-of-town stores springing up.
“It’s time for fair trade for British farmers.”
Clegg also called for an increase in farmer’s markets, especially in poorer areas; an increase in abattoirs to reduce the food miles travelled; and greater investment by the Government and NHS in sustainability.
Speaking at the National Farmers’ Union Conference, Clegg will propose measures including a Food Trade Inspector with powers of investigation and anonymity for complainants.
He said: “I’m a liberal. I believe the market should set prices for goods. When that drives efficiency from farmers, and benefits consumers, I welcome it. But if it is delivered by threats, blacklisting, and bully-boy tactics, if it delivers only profits for the retailer, not lower prices on the shelf, the market has failed. We already have proof of price-fixing on milk.
“And some supermarkets used catastrophes like foot-and-mouth or the summer floods to drive down farm gate prices, while keeping retail prices unchanged. Turning tragedy into turnover is a disgrace. It’s time to take on the Trolleygarchs.
“The Competition Commission’s proposals just don’t go far enough. They’re only interested in increasing rivalry between supermarkets - even if that means we have to have hundreds more of them. Its remit didn’t allow it to look fully at the rough deal primary producers are getting, even though they’ve seen some damning evidence. They do, at least, call for someone else to monitor the supply chain. It’s got to happen.
“I want a strong Food Trade Inspector, with his own powers of investigation, to enable complaints to be properly examined - with total anonymity for complainants. And I want planning rules to stop, not encourage, another generation of out-of-town stores springing up.
“It’s time for fair trade for British farmers.”
Clegg also called for an increase in farmer’s markets, especially in poorer areas; an increase in abattoirs to reduce the food miles travelled; and greater investment by the Government and NHS in sustainability.