Dodds slams supply chain EU failure

Mrs Dodds said she has long been a supporter of the need for fairness within the supply chain, particularly in a chain presently dominated by large retailers.

She added: “While I recognise that the UK’s Grocery Code Adjudicator secured a win recently against Tesco, highlighting the unfair trading practices it had been involved in, the GCA is very limited in what it can do.

“I have lobbied intensively for more powers to be given to the GCA to help tackle the problem and allow it to act as a deterrent.

“For these reasons, I am bitterly disappointed that the European Commission has rejected the need to legislate against unfair trading practices. It is baffling that the Commission will create mountains of legislation around the Common Agriculture Policy and the environment, yet fails to act upon unfair practices within the supply chain.

“While the Commission has a voluntary code in place, it has not delivered for those on the ground.

“Given the crisis facing farmers across all sectors this will come as yet another blow,” she added.

“It was made quite clear this week by Commissioner Phil Hogan that farmers would have to adjust to market forces - as the Commission will not intervene in the basic principles of the market.

“ Is it any wonder people are frustrated with Europe when on one hand we are told we have to work within the market but there are those within the market who have a free hand to do whatever they like.”