Spahić: Plans are underway to introduce mandatory contracts between domestic agricultural producers and retail chains

The Head of the Department for Economic Analysis and Markets of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mirsad Spahić, indicated in "Colors of Morning" on TV Vijesti that the plan is to introduce mandatory contracts between domestic agricultural producers and retail chains.

"It will soon be the standard and legal practice for all market participants to have mutual contracts, which will be more favorable for manufacturers," he said, adding that the full implementation of the Unfair Trade Practices Act is expected from 2027.

Spahić explained that the goal of the new solutions is to strengthen the position of domestic farmers, especially those who produce perishable products, so that they can have safer placements and faster payment. As he stated, mandatory contracts should introduce clearer rules in food supply chains and prevent unfair trading practices that have so far affected smaller producers the most.

When it comes to food prices, Spahić said that drastic price increases are not expected.

"The FAO global food price index forecasts show that prices will not rise significantly this year, but they will not fall either," he concluded.