Europe strengthens farmers with regard to supermarket chains

The European Parliament is strengthening the position of farmers with regard to the large supermarket chains. In this way, Europe is bringing to an end a number of unfair trade practices in the food chain. MEP Ralph Packet reacts positively: “The game is not always played fairly in the food chain. Farmers often have to deal with unfair and sometimes even downright dishonest practices. As a result, these new rules are more than welcome.”

Banned trade practices

For the Flemish farmer, the following practices are unfortunately a fact of life: payments made too late for perishable food products, last-minute cancellations of orders or the unilateral modification of contracts. For these reasons and others, Belgium created the chain consultation. “While the chain consultation does achieve results, it also has its limitations. For example, it only provides for independent investigation and sanctions to a very limited extent if at all. Thanks to the new European rules, there will hopefully now really be an end to these unfair trade practices, and national authorities can keep a better eye on things, and if necessary, impose penalties,” says MEP Packet. A total of 16 trade practices will be banned, while others are only permitted if the parties have concluded an agreement in the matter.

No one-size-fits-all approach

The member states will have to appoint authorities that are tasked with checking that the new regulations are being observed. In addition, member states will also get extra room to manoeuvre in other areas. “This is the sort of legislation that we are happy to rally behind. That the Commission is providing an important role for the member states is an important signal. The new rules take account of the particularities of national markets and legal systems. No one-size-fits-all approach, but tailored to the member states. Just as it should be,” Ralph Packet concludes.