An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator) announced that it will be part of the Sustainable Livestock Village at this year’s Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show on Sunday August 9.

Staff of the Agri-Food Regulator will be available on the day to chat with attendees about the work of the state agency that was established in December 2023 to promote fairness and transparency in business-to-business relationships in the agri-food supply chain.

CEO of the Agri-Food Regulator, Niamh Lenehan said: “This is the Regulator’s first year to have a stand at Tullamore, and we are delighted to be joining organisations from across the agri-food sector in the Sustainable Livestock Village."

Economic sustainability

The Agri-Food Regulator is tasked with increasing the availability of price and market information at all stages of the agri-food supply chain.

It is also the Enforcement Authority for the Unfair Trading Regulations that seek to protect weaker suppliers of agri-food products against unfair trading practices by their stronger buyers.

Lenehan continued: “The work of the Regulator is about economic sustainability of businesses in the agri-food supply chain.

"When suppliers are treated fairly and have a greater understanding of how price and value is formed, it fosters better relationships and stronger businesses.”

Greater transparency

An additional function was conferred on the Agri-Food Regulator that, from December 31, 2026, it will be able to compel necessary data impacting on price margins from businesses within the agri-food supply chain.

In June, it was announced that the Board of the Agri-Food Regulator had approved a roadmap for the Regulator to request specific data in two sectors.

“The Tullamore Show is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with farmers about the preparations for the use of the power to compel,” Lenehan said.

“We do hope that businesses will provide information to us on a voluntary basis when requested but the Regulator will use the new power available from the end of the year to compel the provision of that information if necessary.

“Also we’d like to receive feedback from people about the suite of interactive sectoral reports that are on our website,” Lenehan added.

There are currently seven dashboard reports available, which include beef, dairy, sheep, egg and poultry, fruit, vegetable and horticulture, that bring together publicly available information to show how prices and other market indicators have developed over time.

Unfair trading law

In June at Ennis District Court, the Agri-Food Regulator proved 79 breaches of unfair trading practices for the non-payment for cattle and sheep delivered to a meat processor.

Under the Unfair Trading Regulations, failure to pay for non-perishable agri-food products within a 60-day period constitutes an unfair trading practice (UTP).

Attendees can seek guidance on the 16 unfair trading practices, what type of products are defined as agri-food products, as well as the methods to make a complaint or a confidential tip-off to the Regulator.

Lenehan noted: “Stopping by our stand is a great way to learn more about suppliers’ rights under unfair trading law and chat to us informally about issues they might be having.

“Or if anyone is wondering about the process when they do make a complaint, come talk with us.

“The Sustainable Livestock Village has plenty of events happening throughout the day, if you’re attending one of those, call to our stand afterwards to discover more about our work.

"We’re looking forward to chatting with people on the day.”