Competition Commission: Guide to competition in the agricultural sector
The “Competition Guide for the Agricultural Sector”, with the aim of informing the agricultural world about the general and specific rules of competition in the sector, was published by the Competition Commission.
As stated in the relevant announcement of the Commission, the agricultural sector is one of the main sectors of the Greek economy, with a significant number of citizens to be employed in it, thus contributing to development and social welfare. However, the agricultural world faces multiple challenges regarding the functioning of the market and the conditions of competition.
Whether it concerns georgia, livestock, fisheries or another related sector in the value chain (e.g. processing of agricultural products), the competition rules must be known to every worker, producer, cooperative and interested party, so that they know which behavior is prohibited and which is permitted and how these rules can contribute to the development and unhindered exercise of their activities.
In this context, the Competition Commission published the “Competition Guide for the Agricultural Sector”. By knowing the rights and obligations set by the rules of competition, the modern agricultural world acquires necessary knowledge for daily commercial transactions, and their economic / legal implications. Ultimately, knowledge of the rules ensures competition in the industry, encourages the many small agricultural enterprises to innovate and grow, improves opportunities for producers and workers, and increases resilience to food supply in the constantly changing international environment.
The guide includes
The guide explains the relevant key legislation (free competition, unfair commercial practices) and offers practical advice and examples for dealing with practices that breach competition law or constitute unfair commercial practices. With the guide, the Competition Commission also presents the most important cooperation possibilities of agricultural product producers within the limits set by the competition rules, for the better utilization and sale of their production and strengthening their negotiating position vis-à-vis buyers.
Each farmer or interested party can apply the possibilities given to him through the guide, adapting his business action, but also claiming better commercial partnerships and commercial conditions (e.g. fast payments from buyers, avoiding “open prices”, etc.).
The guide also provides all the necessary information for proper communication with the competent bodies which will help to deal with problems and challenges that arise as well as relevant information for the initiative of the Competition Commission which encourages businesses to adopt innovative business ideas in favor of sustainable development.
See the detailed guide here.