East Lothian MP Fiona O’Donnell airs farmers’ retail fears

Published on 22/11/2012 15:48

EAST Lothian MP Fiona O’Donnell has highlighted the concerns of local farmers during a recent House of Commons debate on plans to introduce a new supermarket watchdog.

The Labour MP called for the new body to be granted powers to protect small producers against the buying power of major retail chains.

The Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill will create a new body to beef up protection for farmers and suppliers by ensuring large retailers treat them fairly. It is proposed that the adjudicator will arbitrate disputes between retailers and suppliers.

Ms O’Donnell told how East Lothian farmers were facing a particularly difficult time after the bad summer weather and the additional pressure it has put on many local food producers.