Fruit Growers Victoria supports the Senate inquiry recommendations to fix poor supermarket pricing conduct, but insists that key recommendations need to be implemented now.
FGV chair Mitch McNab said the parliament needs to get on with the task of reining in bad behaviour from supermarkets.
“This is an important problem to fix. If growers continue to be forced into growing fruit below cost of production, fruit production will become unviable,” Mr McNab said.
“We support the recommendations of the Senate inquiry into supermarket prices. But the time for talking about this should be over — we need to get on with making real, practical changes.”
FGV has advocated for some of the key recommendations in this report.
These include:
- There needs to be more power and resources for ACCC to monitor supply chains, create price transparency, and crack down on poor supermarket behaviour.
- The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct be made mandatory.
Mr McNab called for all sides of politics to get behind these changes.
“This needs support from both sides of politics so we can get on with fixing this problem. Our growers need these changes to ensure their long-term viability.”
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Shane Sali supports FGV’s call for action.
“Growers cannot continue to grow fruit below cost of production. It is not sustainable for a business of any sort,” Cr Sali said.
“Our region has been built on agriculture and it forms an important part of our economy, with the majority of pears grown in Australia being from Greater Shepparton.
“The fruit industry supports a range of other industries including agricultural machinery and equipment, farm supplies and transport.
“These recommendations need to be supported to ensure the long-term viability of our local growers and our region, and to maintain our status as the food bowl of Australia.”