NFU Scotland has told Westminster MPs that the growing power of supermarkets must be better policed in order to protect consumer interests.

NFUS deputy chief executive James Withers, addressing a meeting of 50 MPs, said that the financial squeeze on the supply chain, driven by the major supermarkets, was jeopardising the future supply of quality local produce, which will ultimately result in reduced consumer choice and less product innovation. He called for a supermarket adjudicator to proactively police a code of practice.

MPs are being urged to make their views known to the current Competition Commission inquiry into supermarkets, and to encourage supermarket suppliers in their constituencies to contact the Commission with their concerns, which can be treated in the strictest confidence.

Withers said: “We stressed to MPs of all parties that farmers are not afraid of tough competition. However, at a time when consumers have never been more interested in quality local food, the supply chain is failing to reward those producing it.

“Our campaign is not about being anti-supermarket, it is about ensuring effective competition in the marketplace. Ultimately, that means protecting consumer interests. Their interests are patently not being served by abusive supermarket trading tactics, which may deliver short-term price cuts but which are jeopardising long-term supply.

“We are convinced that a supermarket adjudicator is required to proactively police a code of practice. MPs are clearly supportive of that,” he added.

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