Copa-Cogeca re-elected today Peter Kendall from the UK as Chairman of Copa-Cogeca's ad hoc Working Party on the Food Chain for a two year term. His priorities include making improvements to the workings of the EU food chain, especially tackling unfair and abusive practices, to the benefit of farmers, growers and co-operatives. Marc Rosiers from Belgium and Corrado Finardi from Italy were elected as Vice-Presidents.

Peter Kendall farms in Eyeworth, East Bedfordshire. The farm has evolved over the last fifteen years from a very traditional mixed farm to a totally arable unit. He is now in his fourth term as NFU President, having first been elected in 2006.  He was previously Chairman of NFU Cereals Working Party and NFU Deputy President.

Speaking in Brussels, Mr Kendall said "I am honoured to be Chairman of the Copa-Cogeca ad–hoc Working Party on Food Chain for a further 2 years. Issues in the food supply chain remain a personal priority for me. At a time when there is an upcoming reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and a cut in farm spending, its more important than ever to ensure that the market works well for farmers. The impact of unfair and abusive practices in the food chain on farming is all too clear. Therefore I welcome the continuation of the High Level Forum for the Food chain  to try and find a solution to these problems, especially given the huge imbalance of power in the food chain and farmers’ dwindling returns. We believe that a voluntary approach should be accompanied by a legal framework. Such a mixed system with the operation of voluntary codes backed by legislation that defines unfair and abusive practices can indeed contribute to a better operation of the food supply chain.With the recent appointment in the UK of a Supermarket Adjudicator after a decade of lobbying, my resolve is strengthened further to help make changes in the EU supply chain for the benefits of farmers, growers and co-operatives".

He welcomed the recent publication of the European Commissions' green paper on unfair trading practices. It will provide us with the possibility to stress the negative impact that these practices have on the sector and it is a step towards legislation. It forms part of the on-going discussions on the High Level Forum for a better functioning food supply chain in Europe. Unfair trading practices jeopardise the viability of businesses. Copa-Cogeca is now preparing a detailed position on this.

Marc Rosiers from the Belgian Farm Union Boerenbond and Corrado Finardi from the Italian Farm Organisation Coldiretti were elected as Vice-Presidents for a two year term.