Experts’ report on unfair practices in line with Slovak priorities

The empowerment of farmers is a priority for the Slovak Presidency of the EU Council and, in this respect, Slovakia wishes to adopt related measures suggested by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at its December meeting; the last under the presidency of the Slovak Republic. This was stated by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Gabriela Matečná in Brussels on Tuesday (16-11). At a meeting of Council ministers chaired by Matečná, a report on agricultural markets was adopted which studies the impact of free trade agreements on the European farming industry. The meeting thus aimed at protecting farmers in the globalised world, given the current rate of trade development. Matečná recalled that the findings given by an independent expert working group are in line with the priorities of the Slovak Presidency of the EU Council. The experts suggested that farmers must be in a better position to ensure the balanced and fair functioning of the market in which they operate, as well as the need for improved transparency, and the introduction of EU-wide legislation to combat unfair trade practices in the food-supply chain. Matečná pointed out that while they were unable to speak of any specific Union-wide measures, the adoption of a common legislative framework is likely. The upcoming December Council meeting should see concrete steps issued for all EU Member States.