There is a growing recognition that the complex array of issues surrounding supermarket policies and practices are so interlinked that any attempt to raise standards in one area inevitably causes problems elsewhere in the system. For example, by encouraging supermarkets to introduce requirements of their suppliers related to biodiversity protection, campaigners may inadvertently harm the livelihoods of farmers, who often bear the cost of such requirements. A benchmarking process therefore needs to be inclusive and holistic, in order to explore these links and present this complexity in a simple and accessible way. By bringing together a broad alliance of groups representing diverse constituencies, the Race to the Top initiative will develop a framework of elegant and meaningful indicators. This will highlight the key issues for national and local government, consumers, investors, retailers and campaigners, while maintaining an overview of the links between the issues.
Indicators provide a good way of drawing attention to complex issues.
They are also useful for policy makers, as they provide a 'mouthpiece' to support policy goals, and they are attractive to other organisations to use as campaigning material. Constructive approach We recognise that however successful alternative trading arrangements such as farmers' markets become, supermarkets will remain the key arbiters between consumers and producers. They are an easy target for campaigning groups. However, the Race to the Top initiative will not seek to demonise supermarkets. Instead, it will be based on a process of constructive engagement.