Draft Bill 'one step closer' to better deal for consumers - NFU

The long awaited publication of a draft Bill for a Groceries Code Adjudicator means suppliers are a step closer to a better deal, NFU Cymru has said today.

News of the draft Bill marks the latest chapter in NFU Cymru’s long-running campaign for a fairer functioning grocery supply chain.

NFU Cymru President Ed Bailey said, ’The NFU has worked tirelessly for over a decade, both in public and behind the scenes, to put in place both an effective code of practice for retailers, and a proper body to police it.

’There has been cross-party consensus for some time that an Adjudicator is necessary for the effective monitoring and enforcement of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP). Westminster Parliament must now scrutinise the text in good time so that the formal Bill itself can be brought forward soon.

’For our part, we will examine the details closely to ensure the Adjudicator can do its job effectively - by having the teeth to enforce the GSCOP, by protecting the anonymity of those wishing to complain and to provide an appropriate and effective deterrent through proper penalties,’ Mr Bailey added.

’It has been three years since the Competition Commission recommended the establishment of an Ombudsman, as it was referred to then, and over a year since the GSCOP, the code it was intended to police, came into force. Now is the time for the whole grocery supply chain ’ producers, manufacturers and retailers ’ to put any past differences to one side and work together to ensure that the Adjudicator will be fit for purpose as the ultimate guardian of the GSCOP. Then we can start to see better functioning supply chains which reward all players more fairly, encourage innovation, and ultimately benefit consumers.’