SA primary producers and other people in the food processing industry have until the end of June to make submissions on an issues paper released by a State Parliamentary inquiry into organisational and Market structures that prevent them receiving a fair deal.
Parliament’s Economic and Finance Committee is undertaking an inquiry recommended by the Member for Light, Mr Tony Piccolo, into the current public policy settings for the organisational and Market structures of the horticultural, viticultural and agricultural sectors and associated processing.
Mr Piccolo said the inquiry has adopted a two-stage process to ensure the Committee has a good understanding of the issues it needs to tackle.
“During the first stage of the process, we asked interested parties to submit details of issues they believe should be investigated through the inquiry,” Mr Piccolo said.
“The Committee has now published an issues paper that outlines the matters that it is investigating, and are now inviting new or further submissions, including oral evidence in person.”
The issues paper can be viewed online at https://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/Committees/Pages/Committees.aspx?CTId=5&CId=292 or from the Committee secretariat.
Mr Piccolo said the Committee is planning a series of regional meetings where producers will be encouraged to provide evidence in person.
“I am looking forward to hearing from priMary producers about how we can make the industries more competitive and address the imbalance between producers and big players, particularly in the retail sector,” Mr Piccolo said.
“The enquiry will be looking at all the various barriers that exist along the supply chain from farm gate to plate.
“I will be particularly interested in hearing how we can give producers a greater say in the supply chain, increase competition and grow the sector.
“I am keen to explore how producer, Market gardener, worker and consumer co-operatives could be utilised to create a more financially sustainable food sector,” he said.
PriMary Producers South Australia (PPSA) have welcomed the inquiry and suggested viticulture and grain Markets could see particular benefits.
Chairman of PPSA Rob Kerrin has been quoted on the ABC as saying a look into supply chains was valuable.
"If the committee are willing to look into the supply chain, I think there will be a fair bit of interest across the state in all industries,” Mr Kerin told the ABC.
Submissions or requests to appear before the Committee close on Friday 30 June 2017 and should be directed to Ms Lisa Baxter, Executive Officer, Economic and Finance Committee, Parliament House, North Terrace, ADELAIDE SA 5000, or via email to EFC.Assembly@parliament.sa.gov.au or by phoning (08) 8237 9223