SUPERMARKET bargains that entice the shopper are putting farmers' livelihoods at risk, says a new Church of England report.
Fairtrade Begins at Home, a report by the C of E's ethical investment advisory group (EIAG), calls on the consumer, the big supermarkets, and the Government to act more responsibly. It outlines a number of "invisible and pernicious practices" of which the consumer is largely unaware.
The C of E, through the Church Commissioners, is landlord to many tenant farmers. It is also an investor in the supermarket chains, including Tesco and Sainsbury's.
About 50 farmers detailed their experiences to members of the Church's social responsible investment unit (SRI); others would not take part for fear of damaging their future relationships with the supermarkets, said the report.