More transparency on shelf: Moldovan parliament adopts law on short agri‑food supply chains

The parliament today adopted, in first reading, a draft law regulating short supply chains for agri-food products, an initiative meant to enhance transparency on store shelves and support local producers.

The document was developed by MPs from the Action and Solidarity Party’s (PAS) faction, in collaboration with experts and the competent authorities, and was presented in plenum by lawmaker Radu Marian.

"The law I am referring to today concerns short supply chains. The name may sound technical, but it makes it possible to support local production in a concrete and effective way. A short chain, as defined in our draft law, means there is a maximum of one intermediary between the primary producer and the final consumer. Our goal is simple: the road from farm to consumers’ table should be as short as possible. Thus, products reach consumers fresh and the profit remains in the producer’s pocket instead of being lost in useless commissions," Marian said.

According to the cited source, the document will bring, first and foremost, benefits for producers and consumers.

"Through this law, we provide more transparency. Large retailers will be required to have written and clear procedures for selecting suppliers in short chains. They must publish the criteria for evaluating suppliers on their websites and provide a written, reasoned response within a maximum of 10 calendar days after receiving an offer. Consumers will know exactly where the purchased products come from and that they are directly supporting local producers. We will also establish a register of products from short supply chains, managed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which will issue certificates of origin," Marian added.

The MP specified that the law also provides for additional scoring for products coming from short chains within public procurement procedures. Thus, schools, kindergartens, hospitals and other public institutions will be able to support the regional economy.

"I would like to remind you that this provision already exists in the legislation on public procurement, and institutions are encouraged to enforce it. Another advantage is funding to enhance the visibility and presence of products on store shelves. Producers in the short chain will be able to receive support for investments in storage facilities, shared logistics, marketing consultancy and production modernization. In this way, those who currently have a weaker position on the market will be able to reach consumers more easily," he also said.

The lawmaker noted that the new law would also have an impact on the environment, helping to reduce waste.

"By promoting shorter distances between producer and consumer, the law helps reduce environmental impact and food waste. We propose that the law enter into force nine months after its publication in the Official Journal. The programme is compatible with European Union rules and is based on similar models from France, Italy, Romania and the Czech Republic," the MP concluded.

At the same time, the initiative creates the legal basis for launching dedicated funding programmes for local producers, including for investments in production, storage and logistics, as well as for the modernization of their activities.

The authors of the draft say that the law is part of a broader package of measures to support domestic production and encourage the consumption of local products, within the Buy Good from Home campaign.

Also today, MPs examined the draft law on short-chain supply of agri-food products, developed by members of the parliamentary faction Democracy at Home, Vasile Costiuc, Ana Turcan-Oboroc and Sergiu Stefanco.