NFU President Peter Kendall has challenged the supermarkets to grasp the nettle and back the introduction of an independent ombudsman before it’s too late.
Speaking during the IGD’s’Leadership in Adversity’Convention 2009, Mr Kendall commended the retailers for showing leadership and stepping up to the mark on issues like developing long term and dedicated supply contracts for primary products and expanding Red Tractor coverage promoting food from assured British farmers.
But he challenged retailers on their failure to commit to a secure and transparent supply chain by backing the grocery ombudsman. Mr Kendall told delegates at London’s Royal Lancaster hotel that theoverwhelming majority of consumers are saying they’re concerned about retailer treatment of small businesses. He said:"This isn’t just about protecting suppliers, it’s also about long-term consumer interest.I would urge the retailers to take a step back on this, give up their lobbying of ministers and get behind the establishment of an ombudsman."
Mr Kendall also turned his attention to GM products and explained thatthe stand-off with opponents was limiting the ability of scientists to assess whether or not GM crops are safe. He said:"I’m asking retailers to take a lead in this debate. If consumers hear about the benefits from them, they might be less cynical and less quick to believe this is all about farmers and seed companies chasing profits at the expense of the environment. Your involvement will be critical in moving the debate on, to everybody’s benefit."
Meanwhile, Mr Kendall also urged retailers to work harder in delivering their’green’commitments. Using carbon labelling as an example, he warned supermarkets that"they should avoid using it for market advantage"and asked them to work together in finding a robust way of doing it.
