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Competition - #Agriculture - Commission publishes report on application of competition rules in agricultural sector

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The European Commission has published the first report on the application of competition rules in the agricultural sector. The report shows that the work of European competition authorities can help farmers to obtain better conditions when selling their products to large buyers or co-operatives.

The main findings of the report concern the (a) work of the European competition authorities, (b) derogations from competition rules for producer and interbranch organizations, and (c) sectoral tools in the agricultural industry. On the basis of the insights gained from the report, the Commission will continue its dialogue with stakeholders in the agricultural sector, as well as with member states, the European Parliament and the Council, on future policy choices concerning the application of competition rules to the agricultural sector. The Commission will also intensify its monitoring of the market, in particular as regards collective agreements that segment the internal market.

Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said: "This report provides key insights into the valuable work that European competition authorities have been doing in the agricultural sector, especially in protecting farmers from anti-competitive behaviour and ensuring farmers and consumers can benefit from a fully open internal market. We will continue the work together with the national competition authorities."

Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan said: "Strengthening the position of the farmer in the food supply chain, in a market oriented policy context, is of utmost importance.  This report highlights how agricultural law and competition law go hand-in-hand in achieving fairer and more efficient outcomes for both producers and consumers. Let us not forget that farmers have a special place insofar as competition law is concerned. Recognized producer organizations can help them strengthen their position in the food supply chain".

A full press release is available online in all EU languages.

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