Call for Evidence 'chance to challenge unfair trading practices', says NFU Scotland

In October, the government launched a Call for Evidence on the case for the extension of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA).

The farming sector has been consistent in arguing that more must be done to eliminate the impact of unfair trading practices on farmers and growers.

With the Call for Evidence now live, NFU Scotland is asking its members and farmers to contact the union to offer evidence of how unfair dealing from other parts of the supply chain has resulted in difficulties for their own businesses.

NFU Scotland President Allan Bowie said: “This Call for Evidence on the case for expanding the role of the UK Groceries Code Adjudicator is an important opportunity in ending the impact of unfair practice in the UK grocery supply chain.

“The GCA’s investigation into Tesco plc, published this year, revealed the shocking extent of historical unfair trading practices because of the imbalance of buying power. These practices do impact on primary food producers such as farmers, growers and crofters.

“For NFU Scotland to be able to argue for further, necessary, adjudication of the groceries market we need strong evidence of unfair trading practice which is impacting farm businesses.

“These unfair practices could be imposed directly on a producer from a processor, or indirectly from a retailer.

“I urge members to contact NFU Scotland about evidence of unfair practice. Recognising the sensitivities that may be involved, there is the offer of anonymity if they feel uncomfortable about contacting us.

“However, we need those views to allow NFU Scotland to put forward the case for the extension of the adjudicator’s remit all the way from the shop shelf to the farm gate.”