The European Commission is actively seeking input from farmers and smaller suppliers throughout the food supply chain regarding their experiences with unfair trading practices. A survey, available online in all EU languages until March 15, 2024, aims to gather insights and concerns from those operating within the agricultural and food supply chain.
This initiative follows recent expressions of concern from farmers and their associations regarding unfair practices prevalent within the food supply chain. By participating in the survey, farmers and smaller suppliers have the opportunity to voice their experiences and highlight any challenges they face due to unfair trading practices.
The survey, managed by the Joint Research Centre and the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission, targets EU farmers and smaller suppliers across various stages of production and distribution. It specifically addresses issues such as late payments, order cancellations, and retroactive changes to contracts, which can negatively impact smaller suppliers within the supply chain.
For greenhouse and indoor producers, participating in the survey offers several potential benefits. Firstly, it provides a platform to report any unfair practices they have encountered, ensuring their voices are heard confidentially. Additionally, the survey enables authorities to identify and penalize unfair trading practices, offering increased protection to producers.
Furthermore, the Commission’s proposed actions, including enhancing market transparency and enforcing existing directives, aim to create more favorable market conditions for producers. By addressing issues such as fair pricing and reducing unnecessary expenses, these actions could lead to improved profitability and sustainability for greenhouse and indoor producers.
Overall, the Commission’s efforts underscore its commitment to promoting fairness and transparency within the food supply chain. By soliciting feedback from farmers and smaller suppliers and taking concrete actions to address unfair trading practices, the Commission aims to foster a more equitable and resilient supply chain for all stakeholders involved.
