The Miles Government has accepted all recommendations of the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee report, a result of an inquiry into supermarket behaviour after farmers leveled accusations of being ripped off at the farmgate and at the checkout.
The select committee also identified opportunities to increase transparency in the supermarket sector from paddock to plate and conducted public and private hearings across the state with producers and community leaders.
One of the key measures outlined in the government’s response to the inquiry includes the appointment of an Interim Queensland Food Farmers Commissioner for 12 months, with expressions of interest now open.
The Interim Commissioner will assist producers to navigate supplier arrangements with supermarkets, and scope a range of consultative, advisory, mediation, transparency and advocacy functions.
Premier Steven Miles said the current supermarket environment wasn’t good enough.
“As I’ve travelled the state, Queenslanders have been telling me they’ve been feeling the pinch at the supermarket checkout, paying more for fresh produce while farmers make less,” the Premier said.
“At the same time, producers are saying the big supermarkets are ripping them off at the farmgate too.
“The reforms we plan to implement will mean a fairer go for farmers, consumers and those along the supply chain, beginning with appointing a Food Farmers Commissioner today.”
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers chief executive officer Rachel Chambers said food was at the heart of our health, our communities, and our economy and we need to incite change.
“The government’s focus on tackling the challenges within our very complex food system is both timely and essential,” Ms Chambers said.
“The commitment of the Miles Government to continue to advance the efforts initiated by the supermarket inquiry shows a real understanding of the importance of food in all our lives and the need to safeguard protect and strengthen the link between what we grow and what we consume.“
The establishment of the Food Farmers Commissioners is also supported by the Queensland Farmers Federation, with CEO Jo Sheppard throwing her support behind the initiative.
“A level playing field and transparency in the marketplace is critical for farmers and for consumers,” Ms Sheppard said.
“Queensland farmers produce some of the best food in the world, but we cannot sit on our laurels and assume this is going to just happen in the future. We need to value food, value our farmers and do the work now that will set both farmers and consumers up for success into the future.
Committee recommendations include:
– A crack down on land banking, capping the amount of times that the big supermarkets can roll over approvals without action.
– Consumers education campaigns to enhance awareness about the value of unit pricing and the benefits of buying imperfect and non-premium produce.
– Delivery of subsidised freight services across the state through three regional assistance packages.
– Major transport infrastructure commitments to support regional and remote supply chains.
– Funding for EastAusMilk to develop a Queensland Dairy Industry Plan in consultations with industry stakeholders.
– Examination into the impact of expanding click and collect and home delivery services, subject to the findings of the ACCC’s supermarkets inquiry.
For more information, visit daf.qld.gov.au
