Farmers demand 50% domestic products in stores. Authorities react
Farmers are calling for a requirement that at least 50% of the products sold in stores be sourced domestically. However, enforcing this measure poses challenges, as retail chains tend to favor suppliers who can guarantee quality, large quantities, and consistent deliveries, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.
The clarification came after last week's protests by farmers, who reported significant challenges in marketing local fruits and vegetables within the domestic market. The farmers claim that the prices offered to them and the conditions imposed are unfavorable and do not cover their production costs.
Alexandru Brînză, the president of the "Forța Fermierilor" Association and a fruit producer himself, asserts that the issues raised by farmers during the protests are largely due to the way commercial networks collaborate with local producers.
According to Brînză, this situation has persisted for several years and has not improved in the current agricultural season. He explains that farmers find themselves in a critical predicament: they must either accept unfavorable commercial conditions or store their goods in warehouses, which results in additional financial losses.
“I have been dealing with the situation in the local market for several years now. What does this mean and how do trade networks operate? We are discussing apple cultivation. This year, I haven’t seen prices below 14-15 lei per kilogram in stores. Even during promotions, the price on the shelf was 14 lei. Yet, from my warehouse, they will never buy apples for more than 5 lei. Moreover, even if they do purchase at that price, they must pay me back within 80 days and return anything they didn’t sell. Should I accept this or not?” Brînză told Radio Moldova.
The authorities argue that the solution to effectively leveraging local production lies in farmers forming associations to ensure consistent deliveries to trade networks. Vasile Șerban, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, stated on the public radio station's "Spațiul Public" show that while farmers demand that at least half of the products sold in stores be locally sourced, retail chains require constant deliveries, which local producers cannot always guarantee.
“We have much greater potential. We can substitute imports during the periods when we can produce. However, all of this needs to be organized and coordinated among producers. That is why we have always urged producers to align themselves with groups, such as agricultural cooperatives, which can help plan their areas, manage production, and increase product volumes,” said the Secretary of State.
Vasile Șerban also noted that the government supports farmers' associations through subsidy policies, covering up to 75% of the value of investments for agricultural producers and cooperatives, a support that will continue in the future.
We remind you that last week, several farmers protested in the Telenești district. Among their key demands is the request that 50% of the goods sold in stores be of local origin to support local producers. Additionally, farmers are voicing complaints that their products are stuck in warehouses, resulting in financial losses and reduced income.
