The authority seeks to spot any potential dysfunctions in the sector that could affect competition and, consequently, consumers. To this end, the antitrust watchdog set off a study meant to determine administrative, regulatory, and financing barriers that hinder the development of small and very small farms and complicate the entry of farmers or processors into the pork meat market.
Additionally, the study examines how the industry functions, focusing on its characteristics, processes and criteria for certifying pork for commercial purposes, as well as the level of integration of companies involved along the supply chain.
“Amid rising pork imports and declining exports, we aim to identify the causes of this deficit and the obstacles limiting Romanian farmers’ access to major retail chains. We are analyzing the entire chain—from farm to slaughterhouse, processing, and retail—to determine measures that can promote product diversity on shelves and, consequently, more affordable prices for consumers,” said Bogdan Chiritoiu, Chairman of the Competition Council.
As part of this effort, the antitrust authority will request information from companies in the sector and relevant public institutions. The authority also invites pork meat and pork product producers (especially small producers/farmers) and processors, as well as any other interested parties, to submit data, information, and/or documents they consider relevant to the study.
If any legal violations are found, the Council will set off the necessary procedures to punish them.