„The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to developing a law to normalize relations along the dry supply chain. This regulation would lead to normalization of the market. The main goal will be for agricultural producers to receive fair and sufficient income for their produce. There is really an imbalance at the moment. Through the law, we will try to provide them with additional protection and define some unfair trade practices. This will also provide relief for consumers. We must do all this very smartly – to regulate contracts along the chain, and not to artificially impose prices and limit markups.” This was announced after the emergency meeting held today at the Council of Ministers by the Minister of Agriculture Georgi Tahov.
„It must be said clearly – we are not entering into a trade controversy with the large chains. Next week I will extend an invitation to outline in cooperation, but with clear partnership relations, with a clear understanding of the role and place of the state in these processes, in order to achieve the final effect in a lawful and European manner. You see that when there is smoldering tension, it is expressed in various manifestations and forms of civil society – such was the boycott”, Zheljazko also commented.
In his words, the market infrastructure gives an advantage to the large chains. „Not only in terms of their market potential, but also geographically. The entire chain is a matter of establishing coordinated practices vertically – this is the activity of the CPC. Therefore, I appeal for its composition to be quickly renewed – 4 years of delay on this issue shows how it cannot show its legal potential.”
„Direct intervention by the state can lead to a deficit or speculation. But the state has the tools to deal with the problem”, he is categorical.
Tahov added that as long as there is no association among farmers, there is no solid union that is legally regulated through the Law on Cooperatives, they will always be in a weaker position both on the market and in the overall negotiation process.