Government action urged over ‘free’ Christmas vegetables

The Government has been urged to take firm action to ensure there will not be repeat this year of the type of behaviour shown by supermarkets two years ago when vegetables were virtually given away at Christmas.

Fianna Fáil agriculture spokesperson Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, who rasied the issue in the Dáil, called on the Government to ensure that horticulture farmers are paid a fair price for their produce.

Minister of State Tom Hayes said the legislative power to tackle the matters mentioned are under the auspices of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, together with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

He said he understood the department is finalising grocery regulations under the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014, which will hopefully guide the supermarkets in how they deal with producers in a fair and reasonable manner.

Mr Hayes said the price levels struck by growers with retail outlets are entirely a commercial matter.

It is not his role to set supermarket prices for agricultural products or to be involved in price negotiations between growers and retailers.

But he urged greater co-operation and discussion between all parties.