GCA report suggests ‘record’ improvement in retailer compliance but trading concerns remain

NFU chief food chain adviser Christine McDowell echoed this and said the new figures were testament to the GCA’s ‘collaborative’ approach to holding retailers to account and had ensured the public’s needs were met in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.

Remit

At the moment, the GCA regulates the relationship between direct suppliers and the 13 biggest retailers in the UK, but the Tenant Farmers’ Association (TFA) has warned this remit must now be extended to the wider supply chain.

Responding to the report, TFA chief executive George Dunn said: “The GCA looks only at the relationships between the major retailers and their direct suppliers, however, it is further up into the supply chain that we see problems occur.

“Farmers and other primary producers are often left carrying the can for decisions taken further downstream.”

Despite improvements, Mr Dunn highlighted the Government had recognised issues surrounding trading unfairness, adding: “This is why the Agriculture Bill now contains new provisions to regulate those aspects of the supply chain.”