“We need to improve the functioning of the food supply chain and this must be done through legislation at EU level as we have clearly seen that voluntary approaches alone do not work. We need strong enforcement led by an independent authority able to initiate and conduct investigations and apply deterrent sanctions in case of non-compliance. We have been advocating for this since 2007”, Copa and Cogeca Chairman of the Food Chain Working Party Joe Healy stressed.
“Legislation already exists in 20 Member States but it’s important to have an EU wide framework to ensure a level playing field as well as to address transnational UTPs that could otherwise be left unchallenged. Care needs to be taken not to undermine the well-functioning national legislative systems already operating in the EU”, Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen added.
“This proposal represents a step in the right direction. But it is important not to limit the scope of it. All businesses must be better protected against UTPs”, Healy said.
A breakdown of the share of the value of the agricultural product shows that farmers receive on average 21% of the share of it whilst 28% goes to processors and 51% to retailers. This can no longer continue. Farmers need a fair share of the value of their produce.
