Implementation of the directive on unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain

Question for written answer  E-000772/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Paolo De Castro (S&D)

On 17 April 2019, Parliament and the Council adopted Directive (EU) 2019/633 on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain, which applies to both EU and non-EU suppliers selling to EU buyers (as provided for in its Article 1).

In order for the directive to achieve its objectives, EU and non-EU agri-food suppliers need to be aware of their rights and have information regarding the mechanisms to file complaints. Not providing these tools to both EU and non-EU agri-food suppliers would compromise the achievement of the objectives set by the directive. Suppliers in developing countries are particularly vulnerable since they might have less access to tools to avail themselves of their rights under the directive.

• 1.What capacity-building activities does the Commission plan to implement to ensure that both EU and non-EU agri-food suppliers are aware of their rights when selling to EU buyers?
• 2.What actions involving EU delegations and civil society will it take to achieve the above?