The Australian government has today (Monday, June 24) announced plans to strengthen the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct to address cost of living concerns and combat anti-competitive behaviour in the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This action comes following recommendations from a recent independent review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The review, led by Dr. Craig Emerson, found that the current voluntary code is insufficient in balancing the bargaining power between supermarkets and their suppliers, which include many farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suppliers have expressed fears of retribution from supermarkets if they raise concerns or exercise their rights under the existing code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government has committed to implementing all recommendations from the review. Key changes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These recommendations will require changes to existing regulations and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, which the government has said is has prioritised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Australian government views this review and its implementation as a crucial element of its broader competition reform agenda which also includes an inquiry into supermarket prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile Irish farmers are also looking for guarantees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last week, the Agri-Food Regulator (An Rial\u00e1la\u00ed Agraibhia) published its inaugural strategy statement setting out a roadmap for the first three years of the new office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n