MPs will be hold a ‘private engagement event’ with food producers in April to help inform an inquiry into Fairness in the Food Supply Chain.
During a public hearing last week, the Environment, and Rural Affairs Committee were told by the panel of producer representatives, including the NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson, about the fear that exists across the farming sector that often prevented producers feeling speaking out in public.
EFRA chair Robert Goodwill (pictured) said the committee appreciated the nervousness some people felt about speaking out in public and revealed the committee will be holding private sessions to enable anyone within the supply chain to do so without fear of reprisal.
EFRA has today announced that the event will take place in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 30 in Parliament. It said the hearing will enable the MPs to hear first-hand about their experiences of interacting with food processors, manufacturers and retailers.
Discussions between producers and the Committee will take place privately and in confidence. Notes will be taken but these will be unattributed and for the Committee’s internal use only to inform the inquiry.
“The Committee has received evidence that producers are reluctant to speak out about abusive practices and power imbalances for fear of supermarkets and manufacturers delisting them as suppliers,” EFRA said.
“This private session will therefore provide the Committee with the opportunity to speak frankly with producers about their experiences.”
- Any producers wishing to take part can contact EFRA directly at EFRACOM@parliament.uk
- NPA members wishing to take part can contact the NPA at NPA@npanet.org.uk
EFRA will send an information pack to participants with further details of arrangements for the session ahead of the event.