IFA welcomes Tánaiste’s pledge to introduce retail code of practice

A COMMITMENT by Tánaiste Mary Coughlan to introduce a statutory code of practice and a retail Ombudsman has been welcomed by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).

John Bryan, president, speaking after a meeting with the Tánaiste, said Minister Coughlan recognises the concerns of primary producers and the major imbalance of power in the food chain between retailers on the one hand and processors, suppliers and primary producers on the other.

Mr Bryan said supermarket discounting of Irish food is being done at the expense of farmers, while multiples protect margins and boost profits. “Retailers have a responsibility that farmer suppliers are treated fairly. Farmers cannot continue to accept prices below the cost of production.”