The recent meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture and representatives of the food industry, within the framework of dialogue with the Romanian Brand Manufacturers Association, reflects a consistent concern for correcting imbalances within the agri-food chain. The context is a familiar one at the European level: pressure on processors’ margins, cost volatility, and an uneven distribution of value among producers, processors, and retail.

Eurostat data indicates that, in recent years, production costs in the food industry have increased significantly, particularly due to energy and raw materials. At the same time, bargaining power remains concentrated within large retail networks. This reality has led to legislative interventions at the European Union level, particularly through Directive (EU) 2019/633 on unfair trading practices, which has also been transposed into national legislation.

The discussions highlighted during the meeting focus precisely on adjusting these mechanisms. Possible legislative changes regarding unfair trading practices are particularly relevant in a context where, according to European Commission reports, over 50% of suppliers in the food sector at EU level have reported at least one instance of contractual imbalance in their relationships with commercial partners.

In Romania, the fragmented structure of agricultural production amplifies these vulnerabilities. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), over 90% of agricultural holdings are small-scale, which reduces their bargaining power in relation to processors and retail. At the same time, the processing industry operates under the pressure of external competitiveness, in the context of a persistent agri-food trade deficit.

In this framework, institutional dialogue becomes a necessary tool for calibrating public policies. Strengthening cooperation between authorities and the associative environment can contribute to standardizing contractual relationships, increasing transparency, and reducing commercial risks.

The direction indicated is one of balancing the value chain, in line with European policies. However, the effectiveness of these efforts will depend on the concrete implementation of measures and on the institutional capacity for monitoring and control. For the agri-food sector, the stakes remain clear: contractual stability, predictability, and increased competitiveness in an increasingly volatile economic environment.

(Photo: Freepik)