a
what was at stake
b
green position
c
what we achieved
d
what we did not achieve

Fair revenues for farmers: A better functioning food supply chain in Europe

Food production in the EU is dominated by agro-industrial multinationals, supermarket chains and wholesalers.

Increasing market concentration is having extremely negative consequences for farmers and consumers, for while farmers receive less money for their produce at the farm gate the lower price they receive is not passed on in consumer prices.

This resolution of the Parliament aimed to introduce measures to combat the distorting effects of market concentration and to launch research examining profit margins along the food supply chain.

 

What was the Greens' position?

The Greens believe that the dominant position of a small number of agro-industrial multinationals and major supermarket chains is threatening the livelihoods of European farmers and reducing consumers' purchasing power.

At the global level, severe consequences of this food chain distortion are causing price spikes for various basic foodstuffs, notably wheat.

This, in turn, causes hunger and unrest in the world's poorest countries.

 

Did other MEPs accept the Greens' position?
The Greens succeeded in incorporating several key elements into the report, including on transparency, fair competition, the differentiation of competitiveness, measures designed to combat abuses of market position, resale at loss, food quality and speculation, amongst other issues.

 

Which points did the Greens lose?
Generally speaking, the Greens were satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations.
Reference(s)
Press & Events
Committee:AGRI

Procedure:Own-initiative procedure

Reference(s):2009/2237(INI)

Lead MEP:José Bové (GREENS/EFA)

Green MEP responsible:José Bové

Voted:07/09/2010

Staff contact:Hannes Lorenzen (Email)