Fairness in the food supply chain

Описание: I met with Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, responsible for Competition Policy, to discuss ABP Group's intention to acquire a 50% stake in Slaney Foods and the potential implications for farmers in Ireland.

Jim Nicholson MEP from Northern Ireland, who shares my concerns about competition arising from the proposed merger, also attended the meeting. We informed the Commissioner about the differences in price paid for cattle in mainland UK compared with those paid in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Commission said that national Competition Authorities are firstly responsible for these issues where mergers are involved and their work can be cross-border. The issue may also be referred to the Commission.

We also discussed the problems in the food supply chain and the weak position of producers in the chain, given the concentration of power among input suppliers, processors and retails.

I also raised this issue in a debate in the Parliament.