Commission evaluates unfair trading practices rules to strengthen farmers' position in the agri-food chain

The European Commission published a report summarizing the main findings of the evaluation of the Directive on unfair trading practices (UTPs) in the agricultural and food supply chain. The report confirms that the existing rules contribute to a more equitable and balanced business environment for the agri-food sector, while also identifying areas for improvement.

Although this legislation is still in the early stages of implementation, the report indicates that the Directive has already helped to promote fairer commercial relations across the EU food chain including improvements in reducing late payments, with farmers and suppliers reporting positive trends. The evaluation also points to opportunities to further reinforce the UTP framework and its enforcement.

This publication comes after the co-legislators successfully reached a political agreement on November 12, agreeing to improve cross-border cooperation and coordinated action in cases of large-scale unfair trading practices. The findings of today's report will now be shared with the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.

More details can be found in the report.

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