The Commission has published a report presenting the main findings of the first evaluation of Directive 2019/633 on unfair trading practices (UTPs) in the agricultural and food supply chain. The evaluation indicates that, although the Directive has only been in force for a relatively short period, there are encouraging signs that it is helping to prevent and combat unfair trading practices and to promote greater trust and a more responsible business culture in the agri-food chain across the EU.

While the evaluation does not yet allow for clear conclusions on overall effectiveness, it confirms that the Directive remains relevant in addressing challenges faced by farmers and small suppliers, who often have weaker bargaining power. Between 2021 and 2024, more than 4 500 investigations were opened by national enforcement authorities, with about one third of closed cases finding an infringement. This resulted in 754 infringement cases and €41.9 million in fines between 2022 and 2024, reflecting an upward trend in enforcement activity. At the same time, farmers and suppliers continue to report a low number of UTPs, which may be partly explained by the fear of retaliation. The report notes that producer organisations and other supplier organisations could play a stronger role in supporting complaints, and that proactive investigations remain underused, even though anonymous tip-offs have proved valuable.

The evaluation identifies areas where further progress is needed, including improving awareness of the Directive among farmers and smaller suppliers, strengthening access to information, and enhancing cooperation between national authorities on cross-border cases. On efficiency, the costs of implementing the Directive are considered proportionate to the benefits, particularly for primary producers and small suppliers. The evaluation also finds the Directive to be coherent with other EU interventions and to provide EU added value by ensuring a minimum, harmonised level of protection across the Union, despite differences in national implementation. The findings will feed directly into the Commission’s planned review of the rules on unfair trading practices, with a view to strengthening protection for farmers, including against being systematically forced to sell below production costs.