Australia’s major supermarkets have not given some fruit and vegetable growers price rises in 15 years, inquiry told

National Farmers’ Federation council member says the food sector should not be ‘held to ransom’ by Coles and Woolworths

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Some fruit and vegetable growers have not received price increases from the major supermarkets in 15 years, and farmers are being pressured to fund recent price promotions, a Senate inquiry has heard.

Speaking at the first public hearing of the supermarkets inquiry, horticulture sector representative Jeremy Griffith said the negotiating tactics used in the sector and low prices paid were contributing to the wide-scale bulldozing of orchards and an industry exodus.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup