NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “I welcome Christine Tacon’s report signalling the fundamental change needed in Tesco’s handling of its direct suppliers. Tesco has committed to act on these findings, but we’ve been here before; actions speaker louder than words.

“It is disturbing to read that Tesco has undermined the trust it had with its suppliers through widespread delays to payments in breach of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (“GSCOP”). Like many farmers, I am concerned that the GCA’s report only uncovers the impact of Tesco’s behaviour on its direct suppliers; one can only speculate on the implications for those further down the supply chain. That is why today I am reiterating our manifesto call for fair, safe and secure food chains based on sustainable business partnerships. Within the fierce competition in the retail sector, this is more important than ever.

“We know that Tesco has said it is changing. Not only will the GCA be holding it to account but the whole supply chain, including the NFU, will be closely scrutinising its future behaviour. The GCA now has a firmer hand, given the additional power of financial penalties for any breach of the code after April 2015. We want to see genuine improvements and a genuine commitment to work for the benefit of UK farmers and the food chain. This is all the more important as Tesco works towards increasing its supply relationships with British farmers.

“I want farmers to operate as part of a food industry where unfair trading practices are not tolerated and where my members are not subjected to unreasonable behaviour from others in the supply chain.

“The GCA has said that she has received evidence of other practices at Tesco which merit consideration; in particular, the payment of money by suppliers in exchange for better positioning or increased shelf space. She has announced that she will be undertaking a formal consultation into these issues shortly and we would encourage any members with relevant information to participate in that consultation.

“As an organisation, we have continued to support the GSCOP and the work of the GCA, including helping members highlight breaches of GSCOP by retailers, without fear of repercussion. We are expecting a review of the GCA in March and must ensure that our farmer and grower members are represented within this review and that the achievements of the GCA to date are recognised.”

For more information on this topic, read:

• Do You Know the Government Rules on How Supermarkets Deal with Suppliers?

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