The Association "For Affordable and Quality Food" begins an important debate with politicians and citizens.
Here is the position of the Association, quoted by FOCUS:
Despite repeated promises of measures by the state, real actions to address the problem of high prices and the deteriorated quality of many products are lacking. For three years now, our legislative initiatives have remained unheard, and the problems with the quality of production have remained in the background, out of the focus of the parties in the National Assembly and several successive official cabinets.
Therefore, the Association begins an active dialogue with society and all political forces, both in parliament and outside it. Our goal is not to politicize the topic, but to find lasting and effective solutions in the interest of consumers, producers and the economy as a whole.
We are part of SAFE – the only European organization that protects consumers in the food sector! Our membership in SAFE provides us with strong support from Brussels and from all members of the organization in Europe. With over 30 members in 14 countries, SAFE ensures that the voice of consumers is heard at the highest level and that EU legislation puts health and food safety first.
"The state must play its role. The debate about the state forcibly reducing prices is harmful“, said Andrey Velchev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association. He stressed that a large-scale discussion of the problem is needed, involving producers, professional organizations and consumer associations.
We once again extend an invitation to the management of large food chains, and so far they have not expressed a desire for a constructive dialogue with consumer organizations and us as a mediator. However, we continue to insist on an open conversation and cooperation that will lead to balanced solutions for the benefit of all parties concerned.
"We are not alone. Everyone is participating in this debate. Finally, politicians are hearing the voice. We must seek a solution, not just conclusions," Velchev added.
We call on all stakeholders to engage in an open and constructive dialogue to create sustainable mechanisms for improving the market environment, quality control and protecting the interests of Bulgarian consumers.
The association is organizing a special event, to which a large part of the industry organizations of milk, meat, bread, fruit and vegetable producers, as well as leading economists and MEPs, have already confirmed their participation.