Charlie McConalogue
Question:264. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on issues raised in correspondence by an organisation (details supplied). [44011/18]
View answerWednesday, 24 October 2018
Questions (264)
Written answers
The draft Directive proposes the prohibition of certain Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs) which occur in relation to the sales of food products by an SME supplier, including farmers, to a buyer that is a large entity, i.e. larger than an SME. The EU definition of SME is: "Enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million."
In so doing, the Directive seeks to contribute to ensuring a fair standard of living for those producers who are particularly vulnerable to UTPs. Such producers have the least bargaining power, and are least able to address UTPs without negative effects on their economic viability, particularly in the case of agricultural products which are perishable and seasonal, and subject to adverse weather conditions.
Trilogues between the Council, Commission and European Parliament are taking place with a view to begin to seek agreement on a final version of the Directive. In agreeing to move to Trilogues, the Special Committee on Agriculture took note of the pending concerns expressed by several delegations in relation to the issue of the scope of the draft Directive.
Officials from my Department have been in contact with the organisation referred to in the accompanying correspondence and I would be happy to receive any further written submissions.