Doyle welcomes Hogan’s comments re unfair price issue

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/East Carlow, and Chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Andrew Doyle, has welcomed comments made by the European Agricultural Commissioner designate, Phil Hogan, in relation to supermarket price dominance during his confirmation hearing in Brussels this morning.

“I am glad that Phil Hogan addressed this most important issue during his session in which he outlined his priorities for his Commissionership. Furthermore I welcome the fact that Fine Gael MEP, Mairead McGuinness used the opportunity of this morning’s session to raise this issue.

“I welcome Phil Hogan’s acknowledgement that the increasing concentration of retailers has led to uneven bargaining power. He also pointed out that the voluntary initiative promoted by processors and retailers in some member states still lacks an effective enforcement mechanism and does not include an opportunity for confidential complaints.

“The Irish Farmers’ Association has said that the tendering process for the vegetable sector employed by supermarkets is crippling the sector. Producers are in fear of the supermarkets they are dealing with and in fear of complaining.

“This issue is also badly affecting the beef sector, as has been well documented. This is about sustainability of the food supply chain and removing fear from producers. Farmers’ incomes are being hugely affected by this matter.

“On related matters, I welcome Phil Hogan’s focus on the need to support young farmers. He will work with stakeholders to help young farmers obtain credit for co-financing requirements under EU measures. He has also indicated that he intends to reduce the administrative burden being placed on farmers in relation to the CAP which I have no doubt that farmers will heartily welcome”