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UFU welcomes appointment of the first UK Grocery Code Adjudicator

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has welcomed the appointment of the first UK Grocery Code Adjudicator.  Christine Tacon will officially become the first Supermarket Adjudicator when the Grocery Code Bill is passed in Parliament later this year.

Reacting to the appointment, UFU President Harry Sinclair said; “The Coalition Government made a commitment to oversee the introduction of an Adjudicator and it is very good news for farmers to see this promise being delivered.  For many years farmers and suppliers to supermarkets have complained of the unfair balance in the supply chain.  Voluntary approaches to address their concerns have not worked and we have pressed for legislative powers to be introduced to ensure fair play between supermarkets and their suppliers.  Any supermarket who is treating their suppliers fairly will have nothing to fear from the appointment of Ms Tacon.  The Grocery Code Adjudicator will oversee and enforce the Grocery Supplier Code of Practice which aims to ensure fair terms and conditions in the relationship between suppliers and retailers.  We believe this appointment is also good news for consumers because it will contribute to securing a better future for suppliers of local produce and we believe strongly that consumers want local produce as part of their product choice”.