Implementation dialogue on Unfair Trading Practices

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The Implementation Dialogue was held in Brussels on 6 March 2026 with key practitioners from across the agri-food supply chain on the application of the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive. Participants included representatives of farmers and fishers, producer organisations and cooperatives, food processors, retailers, enforcement authorities and civil society.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Mr Christophe Hansen, chaired the meeting.  The discussion focused on the experience with the implementation of the Directive since it became applicable in 2021 and on remaining challenges in practice. Participants highlighted issues such as enforcement gaps, differences in implementation across Member States and evoked the emergence of several new practices affecting suppliers in the food supply chain.

Participants also discussed the ways to tackle persistent concerns about situations where farmers may be pressured to sell below their production costs, as well as the “fear factor”, which may discourage suppliers from reporting unfair practices. The discussion also explored whether additional measures or further harmonisation could help strengthen the effectiveness and consistency of the directive itself and its enforcement across the EU.

The Commission will continue engaging with stakeholders and Member States as it reflects on possible improvements to the framework in the context of the upcoming review of the UTP legislation, with the aim of ensuring fair treatment for farmers and a well-functioning agri-food supply chain across the EU.