The Farmers' Union of Wales today welcomed the announcement that the Government has laid an amendment to the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill to grant the adjudicator power to impose fines as soon as the bill becomes law.
"The FUW has consistently argued for the introduction of a supermarket watchdog with teeth and this latest move is a welcome development," said the union's president Emyr Jones.
"The union regards the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill as an important step in encouraging fairer practices by the major retailers and we commend all those who, over many years, have worked hard to ensure such a bill is presented.
"But before this amendment the legislation did not give an adjudicator the right to provide an immediate and powerful disincentive by fining retailers.
"The change is also in line with the overwhelming view expressed by MPs during the second reading of the Bill, and we are grateful to those who took account of our representations on this matter."