Tensions between Australian farmers and major supermarkets have escalated after NSW Farmers accused Woolworths of sending an undercover employee to their annual general meeting (AGM).
A Woolworths employee, who attended the meeting on Monday as a university student, was asked to leave after failing to disclose her connection to the supermarket chain. She had registered for the event using a Gmail account. She did not identify herself when the audience was asked if any representatives from Coles or Woolworths were present, according to Jo Brighenti, Chair of the NSW Farmers Horticulture Committee.
Brighenti expressed concern, saying, “Once we found out she worked for Woolworths and didn’t identify herself, we wondered why she wasn’t being open about it.” The farmer community has been cautious about speaking out against supermarkets, fearing potential backlash and blacklisting.
The Woolworths employee initially denied her affiliation with the company but later admitted it. She was then asked to leave the event for not being transparent about her association.
A spokesperson from Woolworths described the situation as an “unfortunate misunderstanding” and emphasised the company’s willingness to listen to feedback from farmers. “We assure that there will be no repercussions for suppliers who spoke at the event,” the spokesperson stated. They also encouraged suppliers to voice any concerns directly or through their confidential whistleblower program, Speak Up.
The spokesperson further clarified that the employee worked in the IT department and had no contact with commercial buying teams. She attended the AGM in a personal capacity as a university student involved in a startup incubator aimed at developing an app to support farmers. The organisers were informed of her status when she requested to attend the event, and permission was granted.
This incident has further strained the already tense relationship between farmers and supermarkets, as suppliers feel retail giants like Coles and Woolworths are undermining them. Starting next month, a new mandatory code will be enforced to protect farmers from unfair practices, with companies breaching the code facing fines of up to $10 million.
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