Primary producers in the food-supply chain are being asked to partake in a survey that will enable them to highlight any unfair trading practices (UTP) that they encounter.

The online survey was launched today (Monday, February 28) by the UTP Enforcement Authority, and announced by the agriculture minister, Charlie McConalogue.

The survey will explore whether the buyers that producers supply are treating them fairly and lawfully in compliance with UTP regulations.

The survey is looking to establish baseline information on the following issues from suppliers of agricultural and food products:

The findings, along with the report of a separate survey involving supplier businesses, will provide a strong evidence base for the enforcement authority to target its resources more optimally on issues highlighted in the surveys.

Commenting, Minister McConalogue said:

The survey results will be processed anonymously by an independent market-research company and the findings will be presented to the minister in advance of the inaugural UTP Enforcement Authority conference in May 2022.

The unfair-trading survey can be completed here and will remain open until March 15.