The British Independent Fruit Growers Association with others such as the Country Land & Business Association is calling for a retail regulator.

In its submission to the Office of Fair Trading, BIFGA emphasised that its members do not want to be at loggerheads with supermarkets and that some supermarkets are more supportive of UK growers than others. 'Nevertheless, our members won't stay in business unless they get a better climate and at the moment they are living in a climate of fear,' said chairman John Breach.

Just one complaint has been brought since the code was introduced suggesting that either suppliers are too scared to act, or that the code works.

The supermarkets are divided as to whether a retail regulator will come to pass, but with so many calls for intervention - Friends of the Earth also published its own survey last month - they cannot afford to be dismissive.

According to the FoE, growers do not believe that the code has made a difference. 'The government must impose a new code with teeth on the supermarkets,' said the FoE's Sandra Bell. 'If the supermarkets are allowed to continue squeezing UK growers they will not be able to invest in the sort of quality local food that people want.'

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