A Fairer Deal for West Dorset Farmers and Consumers
For every £1 we pay for our food, farmers get less than 8p, due to excessive practices by highly profitable supermarkets Liberal Democrat spokesperson, Justine McGuinness today called for West Dorset farmers to get a fair price for their produce.
Justine McGuinness said:
“Supermarkets are now so powerful they can dictate market conditions for British farmers. West Dorset’s farmers and consumers deserve a fairer deal. It is time the power of the supermarkets was checked. In 2005, I would like to see greater development of local markets and organic farming.
“West Dorset has a fine farming and food production heritage. As we start the new year, let’s make sure it has strong future.”
Supermarket profits rose by 300% during the last 15 years. In the same period, their directors have reaped an astonishing 557% increase in pay, whilst farmers’ incomes have risen less than a third - a paltry 29%.
Justine said:
“Supermarkets are now so powerful they can dictate market conditions for British farmers. West Dorset’s dairy farmers in particular are not getting a fair deal. Their hard work is not reflected in the price farmers get for milk. They struggle to make any income while the supermarkets make huge profits.”
“It is clear the Government can no longer sit on its hands whilst the supermarkets squeeze the lifeblood from our countryside. Food supply chain relationships need rebalancing, the Supermarket Code must be strengthened and the OFT must get tough with bully-boy tactics.”
Liberal Democrats want to introduce a legal duty to trade fairly, enforced by the Office of Fair Trading. This will protect West Dorset’s farmers and consumers from exploitation by supermarkets and processing companies.
