‘Transparency' must be instilled in Agri-Food Regulator

Transparency and confidence must be instilled in the Agri-Food Regulator according to a senator who has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, to grant the regulator additional powers.
Senator Victor Boyhan told the Seanad that Agri-Food Regulator 'should be in a position to produce the price and market reports' of the agri-food sector.
'The food regulator must carry out its functions.
'There must be reliable and verifiable sources of information it can stand over, so data is critical with regard to analysing the supply chain and the engagement and collaboration of all sides. The point about all sides is important,' the senator added.
He also warned that if the regulator is to carry out its functions 'it must have the right to compel all information that is accurate and verifiable'.
Agri-Food Regulator
Responding in the Seanad, Minister Heydon said that the Bill that established the the regulator performs two key functions.
The Minister added: 'It enforces the law on unfair trading practices, UTP, and it performs a price and market analysis and reporting function.
'Section 12 of the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023 requires the regulator to publish analysis of information about price and market data relating to the agricultural and food supply chain.
'Currently, in respect of that function, the act provides that the regulator may seek from businesses … any data impacting upon price and margins considered necessary.'
However Minister Heydon also highlighted that currently the act does not permit the Agri-Food Regulator to 'compel' businesses to provide financial information that is not in the public domain.
But it does provide that the minister may make regulations on price and market information.
The Programme for Government also commits to giving the Agri-Food Regulator 'enhanced powers to ensure transparency in the food supply chain with regard to providing market information'.
Minister Heydon told the Seanad: 'I am fully committed to ensuring that the regulator is equipped with the necessary powers to fulfil its statutory function, subject to the legislative and consultative process.
'I need to ensure that the powers granted are proportionate.
'My department and I are in discussions with the Agri-Food Regulator and other key stakeholders to see how this can be achieved.'

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