Photograph: Sam Boal/CollinsThe Government is to give new powers to the Agri-Food Regulator to allow it to compel large and medium-sized businesses, including processors and retailers, to provide it with price and market information for reports on particular sectors. It is understood that the new legislation will also provide for a system to allow companies to appeal moves by the regulator to seek price and market information. The board of the regulator had urged Mr Heydon and his predecessor, Charlie McConalogue, to provide it with additional powers. In March the regulator also said it had not been possible to produce a planned report on price and market trends in the horticulture sector, as a number of businesses did not provide the requested data. This once again highlights the need for the regulator to be granted additional powers to compel businesses to supply the necessary data so that we can fully deliver on our remit.”

Source: The Irish Times December 16, 2025 13:33 UTC