The creation of a supermarket ombudsman should be a priority for any Government which has consumers’ best interests at heart, the NFU said today.
Responding to a Conservative Party commitment to create an ombudsman to police the new Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice if it wins the next election, NFU President Peter Kendall said: "Our manifesto, Why Farming Matters in the Election, identified the introduction of a Grocery Market Ombudsman as key to a successful, forward looking industry that provides for consumers. It is pleasing that the Conservatives have taken note of a policy that will deliver for consumers and food suppliers alike.
"The abuse of market power by retailers damages farmers’ ability to innovate and invest which, in turn, leads to a reduction in choice and availability for consumers. We have always said that an ombudsman would need to provide proactive and robust enforcement of the Code of Practice as well as protection of anonymity for suppliers to eliminate the climate of fear that currently exists.
"While we await further details of the Conservatives’ proposal with interest, we would look forward to working with any Government that sees the creation of a Grocery Market Ombudsman as a priority in delivering the Competition Commission’s recommendations in full."
