News • Sustainable Farming Campaign
MPs support demands to extend Groceries Code Adjudicator
The parliamentary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee have published letters written to Michael Gove MP, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary of State (DEFRA) and Greg Clark MP, Secretary for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), strongly endorsing our position and demanding progress on the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA).
The Committee of MPs see no reason for a delay in responding to the consultation on the Extension of the GCA, which closed in January 2017.
They are also backing the Groceries Code Action Network's call for an extension to the Adjudicator so that it covers the whole food supply chain including indirect suppliers. They are asking for a response to their letter by 29th January and will consider an inquiry with oral evidence into the matter.
Vicki Hird, Farm Camapign Coordinator says,
"We welcome the support of MPs on the EFRA Committee for our call for an extended Groceries Code Adjudicator. The parliamentarians clearly recognise the need for wider regulatory action to protect suppliers from abuse.
At such an uncertain time for farmers and growers, it is vital for the government to ensure that the supply chain plays fair and does not use practices currently only outlawed for the big 8 retailers. We have waited long enough for a response and need a full extension of the Adjudicator role now as we and many others have requested."
Our call can be accessed here.
Published Wednesday 17 January 2018
Sustainable Farming Campaign: Sustain encourages integration of sustainable food and farming into local, regional and national government policies.
