When the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) was set up, in 2013, the Government committed to review its performance after three years. That review is now in process, and submissions are welcomed.
The GCA monitors and enforces compliance with the Groceries Code of Practice, which aims to improve fairness and transparency in dealings between the UK's 10 largest food retailers and their direct suppliers. The purpose of the review is to determine how well the GCA has been doing its job, in the eyes of the people it is intended to help -- the food producers -- as well as the retailers.
At the same time, a separate review is being conducted into whether to extend the GCA's remit to include suppliers further upstream. At present, the GCA can only investigate complaints from 'first tier' suppliers. This excludes many suppliers, especially smaller ones, who supply the first-tier suppliers, who then supply the retailers.
Sustain member Traidcraft, which represents many small-scale food growers, argues that this allows the retailers and first-tier suppliers to continue to pass risks and costs back up the supply chain. It is urging as many people as possible to contribute to BOTH parts of the consultation, because if not enough people respond to Part 2, it may fail for lack of interest.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
