DEJI Minister, Richard Bruton, has published a plan to introduce a statutory code of practice for the grocery industry.
Launching the new code of practice today Mr. Bruton said that he had been very disappointed that the grocery industry could not agree a voluntary code within its own sector. The minister also went on to say that the regulation of the sector has always been highly contentious, and there is an inevitable strain on the relationships between suppliers and retailers.
However, he said that grocery prices “are already too high”, and Irish consumers deserve the chance to buy high quality products at “keen prices”.
Commenting on the code, the IFA President John Bryan said that Minister Bruton must ensure that the code must prioritise more equity in the food supply chain for producers as well as consumers. In particular, he said, retailers must be held responsible for the impact their pricing policies on the viability of primary producers.
People interested in commenting on the code of practice are invited to do so before the September 1st.
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