Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-

“The tightening grip of the multinationals on the food industry is not just something which affects every consumer, but even more so every producer. Monopoly is a stifling and greedy beast. Already in large supermarkets producers are put upon to fund promotions, while the buying regime squeezes out local providers.

“Over the years there has been much talk about justice for producers through an Ombudsman or other devices. Now, a Retail Adjudicator is promised. But to be truly effective in tackling this key issue of unfair treatment of the producer in the sales chain, any Adjudicator must have independent investigative powers and a will to take on the might of the mega retailers.

“Meanwhile, at Stormont over the past four years nothing was done to ease what often can only be described as the rip off of producers. I see energy spent on high hedge legislation, a law to provide for plastic bag tax, legislation on dogs and other legislative acts of doubtful merit, but what in four years did the outgoing Assembly do to bring fair prices and treatment to local producers? Nothing!

“If returned to the Assembly this is an issue I will seek to pursue. Fair treatment and fair prices for producers is not just an aspiration, it is an imperative."