The NFU should be applauded for the way it has continually fought the corner for growers in the horticulture sector.
While it isn’t the only organisation doing this, it has led the way in creating a much needed horticulture strategy for the industry as well as tirelessly campaigning on a number of important subjects over the past few years such as the energy crisis facing glasshouse growers and calling for a coherent plan to tackle the labour issue.
Just last month it said that the introduction of a Horticultural Buyers Code of Practice was needed to underpin confidence and profitability in the sector.
The NFU has submitted its response to Defra’s fairness in the fresh produce supply chain consultation and has advocated for the introduction of a Horticulture Buyers Code of Practice, which will address behavioural practices to the benefit of the whole supply chain.
In its response, it highlighted six key barriers which currently prevent growers from being competitive and innovative within the industry. These include a lack of long-term supply commitments, a lack of risk/cost sharing between buyers and growers, unreasonable delay tactics by buyers and unreasonable and unexpected demands to growers throughout the contract term.
Retailer behaviour and fair treatment of growers and suppliers is becoming a major issue again. It was a decade ago and that was the reason why the Groceries Supply Code of Practice was introduced. As a result, things almost immediately improved. But it seems this problem is becoming significant again and it is hard to understand why.
Does the Groceries Code Adjudicator have the necessary teeth and resources to deal with these issues, or is it something else?
But whatever the reason, it needs stamping out.
The NFU’s work has also included a number of recommendations in relation to the GSCOP (Groceries Supply Code of Practice), such as that the GSCOP and GCA roles should be expanded to include large processors and manufacturers in its scope, and to include ornamental crops in its remit.
Maybe it is time for a different approach.
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