The European Parliament has approved tougher rules to combat cross-border unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain. This strengthens protections for farmers and producers across the bloc.
Meeting in Strasbourg, MEPs voted by 555 in favour, with 26 abstentions, to endorse the agreement reached in November with EU governments on a proposal originally tabled by the European Commission. The measure aims to improve cooperation between national authorities and address unfair agri-food practices, including those involving operators in third countries.
The regulation, steered through Parliament by rapporteur Stefano Bonaccini, introduces a “mutual assistance” mechanism. This will allow national enforcement bodies to request and exchange information, cooperate in investigations and coordinate action in cases of cross-border abuse. Authorities will also be able to launch investigations on their own initiative, without waiting for a formal complaint from a producer.
Under the agreed text, authorities must answer requests for information within 90 days, with a possible 30-day extension. The rules also require buyers based outside the EU who are under investigation to appoint a contact person responsible within the bloc.
A coordinated enforcement mechanism will apply where unfair practices affect at least three EU countries, reinforcing oversight in complex cross-border cases.
Bonaccini said the legislation turns what might have been “a simple administrative document into a powerful act of economic and social justice”, adding that farmers should no longer face unfair demands from large buyers and traders.
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The regulation now requires formal approval by the Council of the European Union. It will enter into force 18 months after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
