Consumers back moves to halt UTPs

Majority of people want action

As the European Commission continues with plans for possible legislation against unfair trading practices (UTP) which affect farmers, a survey has shown consumer support for such a move.

UTP concerns relate to the weakness of farmers and other suppliers compared to the power of major retailers.

A commission survey showed that more than 90% of people believe UTPs have a negative impact on farmers and that action should be taken.

More than 85% believed the commission should take that action, through legislation if necessary.

Examples of unfair practices include demands for retrospective discounts and delayed payments or demands for further discounts to secure payment.

This survey will give Brussels the cover it needs to act and to take on the powerful retail lobby.

As the Government continues to grapple with a Brexit deal that satisfies Brussels, Dublin and its own supporters, there has been a sceptical response to suggestions that agriculture across the UK could remain tied to EU policy.

This would be to get around DUP criticism over plans for ‘regulatory convergence’ between Northern Ireland and the EU-27 to avoid a hard Irish border. Agriculture, along with energy, has been given as an example of where there could be UK-wide convergence. However that would prevent the UK doing trade deals outside the EU, and would almost certainly leave farmers having to comply with CAP rules after Brexit. On that basis this is probably a non-starter.

Green and Socialist members of the European parliament are seeking to use procedural means to unpick the decision taken to relicense glyphosate for five years. They are pressing for the full European parliament or any member state that voted against the decision to begin legal proceedings challenging the commission procedures.

They aim to force a review of the decision-making process. The decision to relicense the product is due to be officially confirmed tomorrow in time for a December 16 deadline.

However, the MEPs claim they could use legal tactics within two months of that date to veto the decision, via the European court if necessary.

Picture: Alamy. More than 85% of people thought the European Commission should take action on unfair trading practices through legislation.