AN UPDATE FROM THE AGRI-FOOD REGULATOR - 17th December 2024
Agri-Food Regulator notes the finalisation of first conviction
for breach of Unfair Trading Practices Regulations
The Agri-Food Regulator’s first case for a breach of the Unfair Trading Practices Regulations was finalised on Friday 13th December, at Ennis District Court where a fine of €1,000 was imposed by Judge Alec Gabbett on Asba Meats Ltd, Beechpark Logistics Centre, Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co Clare. The Regulator was also awarded costs of €10,163.76.
The fine and the awarding of costs followed a conviction by Judge Gabbett on November 15th in the case taken by the Regulator against the meat processor following the non-payment for cattle delivered to the slaughter plant by a West of Ireland farmer.
Niamh Lenehan, CEO said “I welcome the finalisation of this case, especially as it came on the first anniversary of the formal establishment of An Rialálaí Agraibhia. The outcome of this case sends out a very strong message to buyers in the agri-food supply chain and will serve to increase awareness of the Regulator’s role to enforce breaches of unfair trading law.”
Ms Lenehan reiterated that anyone who feels they may be experiencing or have been subjected to an Unfair Trading Practice should contact the Regulator immediately. Information on how to make a complaint or to make a confidential tip-off is available on the Regulator's website.
“As evidenced in this case, the Agri-Food Regulator is here to help primary producers and small agri-food businesses in their dealings with larger buyers,” continued Ms Lenehan. “I encourage all suppliers to familiarise themselves with the protections available to them under the Unfair Trading Regulations and to contact the Regulator with any questions they may have.”
ENDS
For media queries contact:
Deirdre Sheahan, Drury | Deirdre.sheahan@drury.ie | 085 744 2242
Notes to editors:
On Friday 15th November, the Agri-Food Regulator secured its first conviction for a breach of the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Regulations, following a court case against Asba Meats Ltd, Beechpark Logistics Centre, Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co Clare.
Ennis District Court heard that a West of Ireland farmer made a complaint to the Agri-Food Regulator in August 2023 claiming that Asba Meats were in breach of the Unfair Trading Practices Regulations as a result of the non-payment for animals which were delivered to the processor in October 2022.
The Court convicted the company on a single charge but placed a stay on the conviction until 13th December indicating that it would consider a fine and adjudicate on costs on that date.
About the Agri-Food Regulator
Under the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023, ‘An Rialálaí Agraibhia’ (Agri-Food Regulator) was established as a new independent state agency on 13th December 2023 (2023 Act).
Under the 2023 Act, the Agri-Food Regulator became the designated Enforcement Authority for the purposes of the Unfair Trading Regulations (S.I. No. 625/2023 - Agricultural and Food Supply Chain (Unfair Trading) Regulations 2023).
The Unfair Trading Regulations (2023) provides legal protection to suppliers of agri-food products against 16 specific unfair trading practices. There are FAQs available for suppliers, as well as buyers, about the Regulations at www.agrifoodregulator.ie
Email: info@agrifoodregulator.ie Phone: +353 (0) 1 601 9900
Office Address:
An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator)
Backweston Campus
Celbridge
Co Kildare
Ireland
W23 X3PH
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An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator) is an independent statutory Office established under the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023.
The Agri-Food Regulator is concerned with promoting fairness and transparency in the agri-food supply chain. It’s statutory remit and focus is on business-to-business relationships within the supply chain. In exercising this function, the Agri-Food Regulator shall have regard to the circumstances and needs of the agricultural and food sector including, in particular, farming, fishing and small food businesses.
The Agri-Food Regulator is made up of a Board which makes decisions about the Office’s policies and strategic approach to key functions while the Executive Staff implements the agreed policies and workplan.