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The proposed regulation on cross-border enforcement against unfair trading practices (UTPs) seeks to further strengthen enforcement in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain, while the proposed targeted amendments to the common market organisation (CMO) regulation aim to achieve a higher degree of trust between actors, through measures such as better rules for contracts between farmer and buyers, mandatory mediation mechanisms and enhancing producer organisations and their associations.
During the discussion, ministers took the floor to express support for the aims of the two proposals and stressed the need to boost farmers’ bargaining power and improve cross-border cooperation on UTPs, with many highlighting the measures aimed at benefitting young farmers. Some member states were sceptical about amendments to the CMO, including the introduction of a mandatory mediation mechanism, the generalised use of written contracts, and measures to encourage farmers to join producer organisations, while others welcomed these initiatives.
A number of ministers raised concerns about the potential administrative and financial burden. There were also calls for an impact assessment of the proposals, for further work at the technical level, and for the amendments to reflect recent recommendations put forward by the High-Level Group on Wine Policy. The Commission took on board the points raised and stressed the importance of adopting the regulations quickly.
January 27, 2025/ Consilium/ European Union.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu
