31 January 2025.
AgForce supports the pursuit and consideration of any measures that improve the outcomes for members, in achieving fair and competitive markets.
AgForce publicly support measures to correct the market power imbalance within Australian supply chains, monopolies, duopolies, oligopolies and other (big) businesses, i.e., supermarkets.
AgForce members require fair, competitive market conditions and trading practices, and demand the effective application of existing laws, an improved legal and moral (social governance) framework for approval of mergers and acquisitions, and an authority with powers and capacity in the enforcement of unfair trading practices, unfair contracts, unconscionable conduct, mandatory codes of conduct and other similar anti-competitive practices.
Member experience highlights the ineffectiveness of a review process where contracts and livelihoods could be put in jeopardy by speaking out against businesses with excessive market share and power, including instances involving the acquisition of competitors. AgForce seeks fair and equitable dispute resolution regulations that protect businesses that report contraventions to the code of conduct.
Where wrongdoing is established, applicable penalties should include civil and criminal charges of corporations and individuals.
Where historic Merger and Acquisition decisions have failed the industry, AgForce supports a thorough investigation into the benefits to industry or divestiture laws.