On The Land
5 October, 2024
Farmers get new voice
FARMERS now have a new way to voice their concerns about dealing with supermarkets and suppliers, with the State Government appointing an interim Food Farmers’ Commissioner.
Charles Burke has been appointed to the position, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in agribusiness and service-focused enterprises.
Mr Burke is a former CEO of AgForce Queensland and the Queensland Transport and Logistics Council, and former vice president of the National Farmers’ Federation.
He helped establish drought program reform as a former Co-Chair of the Queensland Government Drought Program Review.
“I am honoured that the Queensland Government has put its faith in me to be the first Food Farmers’ Commissioner, to navigate a pathway in this challenging environment,” Mr Burke said.
“This critical role represents an enormous opportunity to improve price transparency, create a safe environment for complaints to be considered and acted on, and redress the imbalance between suppliers and supermarkets.
“I am very much looking forward to getting started in this important role.”
The role will be a point of contact for matters affecting farmers, provide advice to farmers in supporting their relationships with supermarkets, and advise the government on arrangements across supermarkets and their suppliers.
The creation of the Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner position was a recommendation by the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee.
The Committee examined the causes and effects of increased supermarket prices, after Queensland farmers and shoppers said they were being ripped off at the farmgate and checkout respectively.
The appointment of the new Commissioner is for an initial period of 12 months to set up the new functions.
“Mr Burke is very highly regarded in the agriculture industry and I am confident he will act as a powerful advocate for farmers and shoppers,” Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said.
