Supply chain 'Europe issue'

Feb 15 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

ESTABLISHING a fair supply chain should be a Europe-wide concern and not just an issue for the UK, NFU senior food chain adviser Robin Tapper told EU policymakers.

The move represents the NFU raising the stakes in its campaign for transparency and sustainability in the supply chain.

It is seeking EU support at the European Commission and the Parliament. It is hoped Mr Tapper’s visit will encourage the EU to carry out its own investigation into supermarkets and the supply chain and highlight the issues at a European, instead of just a national level.

The NFU is also looking for a Europe-wide consensus on pricing and purchasing arrangements with supermarkets that recognise the economic value of British farming and growing. Mr Tapper said the NFU was the first organisation to take this issue to a European level.