Consumers 'pay too much for fruit and veg'

Consumers are paying too much for fruit and vegetables, according to the president of the Confédération syndicale agricole des exploitants familiaux (Modef).

Modef's Raymond Girardi laid the blame for high price of fresh food at the door of purchasing and distribution centres and importers who hike the prices that consumers eventually pay in the supermarkets.

Mr Girardi was speaking at the launch of an annual 'solidarity farmers' market' in Paris's Place de la Bastille - one of several across the Ile de France region that are being held in protest against big businesses' profit margins and the low prices they are paid for their produce.

Last year, 50 tonnes of fresh food was sold direct to the public at the markets, and cutting out the middleman meant that prices were noticeably lower than in many supermarkets.

"We put producers and consumers in touch, with sales at the right price, one that makes it possible for farmers to earn a living and a suitable price for the consumer," he told Franceinfo.

He pointed out that a kilo of tomatoes or melons, which could cost up to €3 or €3.50 in some Paris suburbs, cost €1.50 at the market - a better price for consumers, but one that still lets farmers earn a living.

He said the success of farmers' markets 'counteract the abusive margins of large-scale distribution'.