The government’s proposed Fuelwatch scheme seems to have been getting all the headlines this week, with controversy surrounding whether or not the system will actually reduce the price of petrol.

But have you heard about the government’s plan to introduce a similar scheme for food?

The idea of the food monitoring scheme is that the ACCC would publish the results of a random survey of supermarket items such as meat and vegetables on a website so that consumers can use the information to decide where to buy their groceries from.

Does it sound like a good idea to you? Would you take advantage of such a scheme to track down the cheapest fruit and vegetables in your area? Or does it concern you?

• There’s been some criticism of the idea…with fears that big supermarket chains could manipulate the system, and engage in price gouging.

• There are also fears this system could wipe out smaller supermarkets.

• As there is concern that the Fuelwatch scheme may see the price of petrol rise, there is also concern that a “Food watch” scheme will push the price of food up.

• BUT the scheme is supported by “Choice” – which says it will allow consumers to make informed choices about where to shop.

• Do you see this as the best way to combat rising food prices? Or do you agree with Associate professor Julian Cribb, who says the government should be investing more heavily in agricultural science, and society as a whole should stop wasting so much food.

How do you think the government should respond to the forecasts of increasingly expensive food prices?