Co-ops Needed to Challenge Food Manufacturers

Archived

Wednesday, 02 July 2003

Farmers must set up international co-operatives to challenge the power of food manufacturers and secure a better deal, Sir Ben Gill, president of the National Farmers' Union, said yesterday.

Speaking at the Royal Show, the high point of the farming calendar, Sir Ben said some manufacturers had opposed reforms of Europe's Common Agricultural Policy because they were scared it might give farmers a strengthened negotiating position.

However, he said the reforms were intended to make farmers more market- orientated and commercially successful.

Farmers had to build co-operatives capable of dealing effectively with international food companies, he said.

Source: John Mason, Food and Rural Affairs Correspondent, Financial Times July 1 2003