MP seeks early visit from supermarket ombudsman

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed the appointment of the Grocery Code Adjudicator Christine Tacon, saying that the new role will help to ensure a fairer deal for farmers and suppliers in Orkney and Shetland.

As adjudicator, Ms Tacon will be responsible for enforcing the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, which regulates interactions between the ten largest supermarkets and farmers and suppliers. Suppliers will now have the opportunity to register a complaint with the adjudicator if they feel that they have been treated unfairly by supermarkets.

Mr Carmichael said: “The farming and agricultural sector is hugely important to the Northern Isles. Rural farmers and suppliers can feel that they are in an unfair fight against the big supermarkets and are struggling to maintain their business. This is damaging to the local community and local economy. The new adjudicator empowers farmers and suppliers to have a regulator on their side if supermarkets are abusing their position.”

He added: “I am asking the adjudicator to visit Orkney and Shetland soon after her appointment to hear from local food producers the particular issues that arise from working on the isles.”