Introduction of ombudsman for GSCOP ‘will benefit farmers’

Posted 14/01/2010

A trade union has welcomed the government’s decision to introduce an ombudsman to monitor breaches of the Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice (GSCOP) as beneficial to farmers and growers.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has hailed the creation of a new enforcement body as a move which will prevent unfair dealings between supermarkets and agricultural business, thereby benefitting the entire industry,

NFU representatives have lobbied the government for such an initiative for around a decade, with the proposed plans conforming with previous recommendations from the Competition Commission.

Peter Kendall, president of the NFU, said the announcement represents “light at the end of the tunnel” for farmers, adding that it will help to protect their interests.

He added: “2010 must be the year we begin to eradicate unfair dealing and protect investment and innovation in British agriculture for the benefit of consumers.”

The introduction of a supermarket ombudsman was previously outlined at the beginning of this year as a “priority” for any future government.