NFU Scotland has called for primary producers to be better protected as it responded to a consultation on the role of the UK's Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA),
The consultation, which was launched by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, questioned interested parties about what could be done to improve relationships in the grocery supply chain.
In its response, NFUS said that good progress had been made in the relationships between supermarkets and their suppliers since the formation of the GCA. However, it added that primary producers are still subjected to unfair trading practices (UTPs) such as delays in payments and changes to supply agreements at short notice.
NFUS has argued that the UK Government must implement changes to the regulator, or introduce an alternative, to ensure farmers can, without fear of reproach, address the use of UTPs by their customers as a business management tool.
NFUS Food and Supply Chain Policy Manager John Armour said: "While issues differ across the many different sectors of Scottish agriculture; farmers, growers, and crofters believe that more should be done to prevent the impact of UTPs on farm."
Mr Armour went on: "Farmers, growers and crofters continue to be concerned that negative behaviour continues to be common with some retailers. The GCA currently only regulates the 10 largest supermarkets, and members are keen to see its remit extended to a far wider number of retailers.
"What has been clear through our work with the GCA has been its success in increasing compliance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) in the last three years. NFUS has commended the openness and transparency of the office of GCA, and we look forward to working with it over the coming years."
Meanwhile, Willie Harper, from Gryffewraes Farm, Bridge of Weir was appointed chairman of NFUS' Forth and Clyde region at its AGM in Stepps, near Glasgow on Tuesday night.
Mr Harper, a sheep and beef producer, is a past President of Renfrewshire branch and has served for several years on the Regional Board, including as Vice Chairman. He succeeds Tom French, from Balgray, Crawfordjohn, Biggar, who has stepped down after five years in the role. Mr French is one of three farmers currently contesting for the position of Vice President at the Union's forthcoming council meeting in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow on February 7th.
Market round-up
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 64 store heifers in Lockerbie on Tuesday to a top of 316.9p per kg and an average of 221p, while 119 store bullocks peaked at 265.2p and levelled at 220.7p. Five store bulls sold for 211.1p.
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