Agriculture Minister Maria do Seu Antunes said this Sunday that the government is looking into “every measure” to ensure that the consumer can pay a fair price for food.
“When we proposed to create this price observatory, looking for a Spanish model that works, it was in the sense of ensuring that no link in the chain was harmed. We will explore all measures to be able to mitigate the gaps that have existed at all stages of the food chain and ensure that consumers pay fairly,” he said.
Maria do Seu Antunes spoke to reporters in Vila Nova de Paiva, in the Viseu district, where she attended the 11th Smokers’ Fair in Demo.
Announced in May 2022 by the Government, the creation of a price observatory was formalized by an order published in October last year.
The aim is to “effectively monitor” costs and prices throughout the agri-food supply chain and increase transparency.
An agriculture ministry source contacted by Lusa did not give a start date for the observatory, citing only that it would happen “in the very near future.”
A cable signed by Minister of Agriculture and Food Maria do Seu Antunes and then Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services Rita Marquez stated that the purpose of the mechanism is to promote “greater” transparency throughout the agri-food value chain, monitor its development and provide competent authorities a tool for monitoring, evaluating and determining the best state policy in this matter.