National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Peter Kendall has faced down top supermarket bosses, imploring them to abandon their efforts to influence the government over the introduction of an independent ombudsman.
Speaking during the IGD’s centenary Leadership in Adversity Convention 2009, Kendall challenged retailers on their failure to commit to a secure and transparent supply chain by backing the grocery ombudsman.
Kendall, pictured, told delegates at London’s Royal Lancaster hotel that the overwhelming majority of consumers have said they are concerned about retailer treatment of small businesses. He said: “This isn’t just about protecting suppliers, it’s also about long-term consumer interest. I would urge the retailers to take a step back on this, give up their lobbying of ministers and get behind the establishment of an ombudsman.”
Kendall commended the retailers for showing leadership and stepping up to the mark on issues such as developing long term and dedicated supply contracts for primary products and expanding Red Tractor coverage promoting food from assured British farmers.
Kendall also turned his attention to GM products and explained that the stand-off with opponents was limiting the ability of scientists to assess whether or not GM crops are safe. He said: “I’m asking retailers to take a lead in this debate. If consumers hear about the benefits from them, they might be less cynical and less quick to believe this is all about farmers and seed companies chasing profits at the expense of the environment. Your involvement will be critical in moving the debate on, to everybody’s benefit.”
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