Joe Costello
Ceist:76 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the report of the Irish Farming Association entitled Equity in the Food Chain. [12015/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 11 March 2010
Ceisteanna (80)
Freagraí scríofa
The increasing concentration of retail power in the hands of a few large supermarket chains is an international phenomenon, which has fundamentally changed the balance of market negotiating power in the food chain. I have emphasised at EU and national level the necessity for a reasonable balance between granting price reductions to consumers and giving a fair return to suppliers and producers to ensure fair play in trading conditions and sustainability of food supply within the EU. I am very pleased that the Spanish Presidency had committed itself to progressing the whole issue of improving the functioning of the food chain. There is a need for considerable improvement so that all players, including producers and consumers, receive fair treatment.
Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 37.