This week, The Grocer devotes 10 pages to an issue of vital importance to most of its readership ­ uniting the fragmented UK food chain and, more especially, improving trading links between retailers and farmers. As the party conferences loom, the simmering debate about producer-customer relationships is again thrown into sharp relief by headline-hunting politicos, not to mention well meaning promenade protestors. Even the leading lights of Europe's agri-food industries will pick up the theme at their Belfast congress this weekend. But during recent weeks, general economic fears ­ heightened by the terrible happenings in Manhattan and Washington ­ have given a new urgency to the talks. Food chain unity has been a familiar issue for three years. But with a legally binding code of trading practice for the top five multiples promised by government in the autumn, it's set for even greater significance. In truth, relationships between producers and their retail customers have probably never been closer. Having said that, more than a few processors can still readily cite examples of undue pressure coming from over-zealous buyers. And this is giving credence to the notion that there are still bullies out there in the competitive world of grocery. But behind the scenes, serious industry organisations are striving hard to inject greater understanding, in the form of radical new thinking, into the trading processs. And that's why some notable grocery figures will sit with the Euro-farmers in Belfast. But, as Sainsbury chief Sir Peter Davis says so graphically in our feature this week, it's also time for the big chains, while obviously still focusing on their competitive positions, to indulge in sensible, constructive dialogue in the cause of a more united food chain. It was former Asda boss Allan Leighton who first went public with the view that the multiples hate each other. Competitive stances are one thing, but given the current food chain scenario, common sense must surely prevail? Clive Beddall, Editor {{OPINION }}