EU Farm Ministers support for EU plans to tackle unfair trading practices (UTPs) in food chain good

In a meeting with the Bulgarian Presidency today, Copa President Joachim Rukwied said “We are very happy with this Commission initiative to have legislation at EU level to combat UTPs, backed up by enforcement led by an independent authority. We need a European solution for what is clearly a European problem. The Voluntary Supply Chain Initiative developed by retailers and processors did not work”. 
 
“Farmer’s incomes are now 40% below average earnings. We need action to reverse this and to improve farmers’ share of the consumer Euro. This proposal can still be improved and go further. It is important not to limit its scope so that all businesses are better protected against UTPs. That is why we welcome European Parliament and Ministers support for it and call upon them to work and improve this proposal”, added Rukwied.
 
He also welcomed the work of the EU Platform on Food losses and Food Waste, saying that it has been a highly positive initiative enabling an exchange of best practices and support for actions between the different actors involved.