News
Food supply chains - Does ‘better’ include fairer?
28 Nov 2011
Does 'better' include fairer?
As the European Commission's
High Level Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply
Chain meets in Brussels, Consumers International and a
wide range of European civil society organisations have published
recommendations calling for clear and enforced measures to promote
fairness within our food supply chains.
In response to growing concern in recent years over imbalances
in the food supply chain in Europe, the
High Level Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply
Chain was set up by the European Commission. The
forum includes representatives of selected Member States, European
companies dealing with food production, processing or distribution,
professional associations and non-governmental organisations. It
focuses on a range of key issues including industrial
competitiveness, monitoring of food prices, agro-logistics and
business to business contractual practices.
Both the focus by the High Level Forum on business to business
trading relationships and the collaboration of trade associations
on this issue is welcomed. Unfair commercial practices have
important consequences throughout the supply chain, impacting on
farmers, workers and ultimately on consumers. The purchasing
practices of some companies in the food supply chain undermine
suppliers' ability to invest, implement good working conditions,
operate in an environmentally responsible manner and plan for the
future.
The High Level Forum is due to conclude in December 2012 and as
it reaches the half way point, we look to Brussels for decisive and
clear direction for the year ahead.
Read recommendations on the Business to Business Contractual
Practices Expert Platform in the pdf download below.