On Friday 6 March, the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, chaired a dialogue with key players in the agri-food chain on the implementation of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (see EUROPE 13822/34, 13814/9).
Participants included representatives of farmers and fishermen, producer organisations and cooperatives, food processors, retailers, enforcement authorities, and civil society.
The discussion focused on the experience of implementing the directive since 2021 and the challenges that remain in practice. Participants reported problems with application, differences in enforcement between Member States and the emergence of new practices affecting suppliers in the food chain.
They also discussed ways of dealing with situations where farmers may be forced to sell below their production costs, as well as the “fear factor”, which can deter suppliers from reporting unfair practices.
The discussion explored whether additional measures or further harmonisation could enhance the effectiveness and consistency of the Directive and its application across the EU.
The Commission will continue to engage in dialogue with stakeholders and Member States on improvements to the framework, with the aim of ensuring fair treatment of farmers and an efficient and balanced agri-food chain across the EU. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)