McGuinness seeks European action on supermarket buying practices

THE European Commission has been urged to tackle the problem of those who rely on the major supermarkets to sell their produce, but who have no power to influence the price or conditions of trade.

Ireland East MEP Máiréad McGuinness said farmers are particularly vulnerable. They are price -takers not price-setters and very often have no choice but to sell at a loss and then wait for long periods of time to be paid for their produce.

She said the pressure on producers in the fresh produce sector is especially severe. They are desperate for some level of political intervention on this issue.