Lyon: EU should tackle light touch regulation of supermarkets in food chain

3.20.43pm GMT Wed 28th Oct 2009

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has welcomed the EU Commission's communication into food prices and the functioning of the food supply chain, but has urged further action.

Mr Lyon is campaigning for the establishment of a European Ombudsman on food prices and food supply chain relations which has not been addressed by the Commission.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

"Greater transparency in our markets and better lines of communication between the major players in our food chain are actions that everyone can support. I welcome the role the Commission has taken in moving these proposals in the right direction.

"I would, however, like to see more said about what the Commission plans to do when it identifies market failure or the abuse of power by supermarkets in the food supply chain.

"For too long farmers have had to bare the brunt of light touch regulation on the overwhelming power that major supermarkets enjoy.

"The creation of an EU Ombudsman to oversee the relationship between supermarkets, farmers and other actors in the food chain could lead to a better price for farmers and a better deal for consumers."