Carmichael submits bill to “beef up” regulator for farmgate prices

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has this week [Monday evening] presented a bill in Parliament to “beef up” the remit of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, to boost its powers to defend farmgate prices for farmers and crofters. Mr Carmichael submitted the bill following past efforts in Parliament to encourage stronger oversight of the relationship between major supermarkets and food producers.

Mr Carmichael said:

“I have been calling for some time for the Groceries Code Adjudicator to step up more and support farmers and crofters in getting a fair price for their product. If the regulator cannot do so under its current powers then it is time to beef up its remit so that it can act.

“The supermarkets have taken advantage of their market dominance for too long, and that absolutely must end. We need to see regulators take a direct look at the relationship between farmers and crofters and these major corporations.

“The inflation crisis of the past two years should be a wakeup call that the status quo is not working. If we want vibrant farming and crofting communities in this country then we need a fair deal and fair prices for farmers and food producers. That is what my bill intends to deliver.”