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Liz LynneLiberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands 1999-2012 |
Supermarkets creaming it while farmers go to the wall
August 24, 2004 12:04 PM
Figures published today by the Liberal Democrats show supermarket profits have risen by 300% during the last 15 years. In the same period, their Directors have reaped an astonishing 557% increase in pay, whilst farmers' incomes have risen by a paltry 29%.
Commenting on these figures the West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne said the code of practice which governs the relations between the major supermarkets and farmers, was totally inadequate.
The Liberal Democrat MEP said:
"Supermarkets are continuing to increase their profits by squeezing the life out of farming communities. While the supermarkets' fifty five top executives are creaming it, many dairy farmers are struggling to make any income at all.
"Supermarkets are now so powerful they can dictate market conditions for British farmers. It is clear the Government can no longer sit on its hands. Food supply chain relationships need rebalancing, the Supermarket Code must be strengthened and the OFT must get tough with the bully-boy tactics of the big boys."
ENDS
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