The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF)/United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) appreciates the opportunity to provide this submission appreciates the opportunity to provide this submission to the National Farmers Federation regarding the Interim Report on price transparency.
The VFF strongly supports the recommendation made in the Interim Report that a Mandatory Code of Conduct is the best tool available to poultry meat supply chain issues. As outlined in the Interim Report, the processors have significant market power and a mandatory code administered by the Australian Competion and Consumer Commission will promote confidence and fair trading between all participants in the supply chain. The VFF notes that for the vast majority of growers there is really only one processor with whom they can negotiate with, which severely reduces the effectiveness of contract negotiations and commercial relationships. Growers are at the mercy of processors.