Australia's National Farmers' Federation has said that a fresh-food ombudsman should be created to improve transparency across the agricultural supply chain. The vegetable producers' peak body, AUSVEG, has also showed tentative interest in the move.
NFF chief executive officer Tony Mahar said a fresh-food ombudsman would give producers “another tool to investigate any concerns” over misuse of market power or anti-competitive behaviour.
The Federal Government recently introduced measures Mr Mahar said would improve transparency in the sector, such as approving changes to competition law to introduce an “effects test,” and establishing the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s agricultural commissioner and advisory committee.
The NFF made the call for the new ombudsman role in its federal budget submission.
AUSVEG spokesman Shaun Lindhe said the peak body would need more information on the NFF’s proposal before offering its support.
However, Mr Lindhe said: “AUSVEG supports any initiative that provides growers with adequate protections when trading with wholesalers and agents so that they can conduct their business productively and profitably.”
The NFF has also called for a mandatory supermarket code of conduct.
The voluntary Food and Grocery Code came into force last July.
The peak farming body is also seeking a further $5 million to give the ACCC commissioner extra technical and legal resources.
Source: weeklytimesnow.com.au