Commenting on the Eurostat report comparing food price levels in the European Union, IFA President John Bryan said the findings confirm that the food supply chain in Ireland remains broken.
Commenting on the Eurostat report comparing food price levels in the European Union, IFA President John Bryan said the findings confirm that the food supply chain in Ireland remains broken. He said, “Ireland remains the second highest priced country in the EU for food and non-alcoholic beverages, with consumer price levels 20% above the EU average in 2010. In contrast, farmgate prices in Ireland are at best on a par with, and in many cases below, other European countries.”
He said, “It is clear that neither farmers nor consumers are receiving fair treatment in the food supply chain, with power resting in the hands of a small number of retail multiples. The latest Teagasc National Farm Survey shows that, while farm incomes recovered from the unsustainable lows of 2009, Average Farm Income in 2010 was still only €18,000.”
The IFA President said he has met with the Minister for Enterprise, Richard Bruton, to stress the urgent need for the introduction of a compulsory Code of Practice for supermarkets, and statutory ombudsman, which would compel retailers to treat farmers and consumers fairly in the food supply chain.
Source: Irish Farmers Association – Eurostat Figures Show Food Supply Chain Remains Broke – IFA
