Strengthening Protection for Farmers and Growers: A Need for Tougher Regulation

Strategic Insights -

Andrew George, the Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives, has tabled a cross-party parliamentary motion to protect farmers and growers from what he calls "supermarket bully boys." The motion, which urges the Government to consolidate two separate regulators and expand their powers, has garnered support from various organizations, including the National Farmers' Union and Friends of the Earth. George, who previously chaired the Grocery Market Action Group, notes that the power of supermarkets has undermined farmers' viability, and the current regulatory framework needs to be strengthened.

Key Takeaways:

  • The motion calls for the consolidation of two separate regulators and an expansion of their powers to better protect farmers and growers.
  • The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) was established to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), but George argues that it needs to be strengthened.
  • The Government is holding a consultation on the issue, which will close on August 5, 2025.
  • The motion has received cross-party support and aims to reduce dependence on public subsidy by ensuring fair dealing in the supply chain.
  • Andrew George, the MP who tabled the motion, previously chaired the national Grocery Market Action Group.

Statistics:

  • The power of supermarkets has undermined farmers' viability over the past ten years, according to Andrew George.
  • The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) was established to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).
  • The Government's consultation on the issue will close on August 5, 2025.
  • The motion aims to reduce dependence on public subsidy by ensuring fair dealing in the supply chain.

Sources:

  • Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives
  • National Farmers' Union (NFU)
  • Friends of the Earth
  • Government consultation document