The NFU has welcomed the outcome of a vote in the European Parliament on adopting a report calling for more to be done to tackle Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs) in the food supply chain. Ahead of the vote, the NFU lobbied MEPs to support the report which seeks to reduce the negative impacts UTPs can have on farmers.

The report, tabled by Edward Czesak, discusses the impacts on farmers such as late payments, food overproduction, wastage and fragile trading relationships. The NFU also supports the report’s view that the Groceries Supply Chain Code of Practice (GSCOP) is a ‘possible model to follow at EU level.’

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “I am pleased that MEPs have supported the call for stronger action to tackle unfairness in the food supply chain. This report is promising, but we will continue to reiterate that without an effective EU legislative frame work to oversee unfair trading practices, the ‘fear factor’ will remain in commercial relationships. With GSCOP working well in the UK we believe an extension of this at an EU level, as the report recommends, would be a very good thing.

“The government must push the European Commission to introduce an EU wide approach so that British farmers and food processors can be safe from exploitation in the supply chain. It is essential that UK farmers enjoy the same protections when they trade at home, as when they trade abroad.

“We are glad that the report also recognises the limitations of the voluntary EU Supply Chain Initiative including the lack of an option to lodge confidential complaints, no penalties for non-compliance and the fact that the effectiveness of the dispute resolution options have not been tested.”

The NFU will continue to work for British farmers on UTPs and will push for the culture change so badly needed in the food supply chain.