Competition top issue for farmers, food code review chance to get it right

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of second review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

The NFF has long expressed concern about signifcant market concentration in Australia’s retail sector, especially in supermarkets.

“Competition ranked as one of the top issues farmers were very concerned about in the National Farmer Priorities Survey released yesterday,”

NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.

“Australia is number one in the world for supermarket concentration. We need to make sure this power isn’t being used to squeeze more than what’s fair from farmers and consumers.”

The NFF supports the intention of the code as an attempt to improve standards of business behaviour in the food and grocery sector.

“While the code has not been as successful as hoped, the NFF believes this review is an opportunity to adopt key changes that can provide greater certainty for all players within the supply chain,” Mr Mahar said.

The NFF calls on this review to adopt the recommendations of the ACCC’s Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry, including making the code mandatory, removing the ability of retailers to contract out important protections in the code, the introduction of signifcant civil pecuniary penalties and providing a genuinely independent dispute resolution.

“The NFF looks forward to engaging in this process to create a more level playing feld for our farmers.”

The North Coast Local Land Services team will be out in force over the coming weeks providing critical seasonal updates to farmers across the North Coast region.

Local Land Services is encouraging all farmers to attend an event in their local area to hear expert advice and network with those who are also managing farms in their region.

Louise Orr, General Manager for North Coast Local Land Services said “Decisions in seasonally dry and drought-affected times are often made on an emotional rather than a logical basis.

“It’s important for farmers to make objective decisions and seek skilled help when it’s needed and one of the best ways to access that skilled help is by attending one of our seasonal update events.”

The Seasonal Update events will cover pasture management, livestock feed and nutrition requirements, and animal health and welfare. Local Land Services staff are also available to offer handson support with current, localised information and advice on how to manage through drought. This includes:

• Livestock Offcers who can provide technical advice on feeding and nutrition

• Horticultural Offcers offering expert help to the horticultural industry

• District Veterinarians who help farmers with advice on livestock health and welfare

• Biosecurity Offcers who can help farmers control pest animals

Louise continued, “We also acknowledge that farmers in the region have endured bushfre, food, pandemic and now drought in a short timeframe and that this can be a tough mental challenge to get through.

“We’re pleased that we will have representatives from a number of other support agencies who can also provide help and advice on a range of support services and also mental health support.”

There are Seasonal Update events scheduled across the region and more details are available on:

Local Land Services website https://www. lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/ north-coast/events.