The IFA welcomed impending EU retail regulation, but only as “a first step”. Commissioner Phil Hogan is announcing the detail of his initiative to tackle unfair trading practices (UTF’s) in the food supply chain on 12 April.

Draft proposals include the banning of cancellation of orders for perishable goods at short notice and a 30-day limit for payment by retailers for perishable goods.

Suppliers having to pay the cost of food waste at the customers’ business will also be banned. Suppliers having to accept returns of unsold food unless by prior contractual agreement will be outlawed. Any payment from suppliers for promotions must be agreed in advance.

IFA president Joe Healy called for an independent authority to protect primary producers, such as exists in the UK. Healy addresses the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee on 12 April.

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Hogan moves to curb supermarket power