UK Government Bows to Pressure on Groceries Code Adjudicator

SNP Westminster Agriculture spokesperson and MP for Banff & Buchan Dr Eilidh Whiteford has welcomed the concession from the UK Government that it has bowed to pressure and granted the Groceries Code Adjudicator the power to impose fines from day one.

Speaking from Westminster, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“I’m really glad common sense has prevailed and the UK Government has given in to pressure from MPs across the party spectrum to give real teeth to the Groceries Code Adjudicator.

“During the summer we saw dairy farmers flex their muscles over the supply chain practices of the major retailers, and win some important concessions on price, but it’s important that we build on that momentum to secure a fairer deal for all farmers.

“Agricultural producers need to receive a fair price for the food they supply that reflects the cost of production.  That issue will only become more acute this year because of the soaring price of animal feed and a difficult harvest.  The Groceries Code Adjudicator is an important step in the right direction, but large retailers also need to reform their supply chain models so that the costs and risks of production are shared more equitably.”