The Council of Ministers yesterday approved a new decision that determines the manner of organization and functioning of the market for fishery and aquaculture products, as well as the form and content of production and marketing plans for this sector.
The decision, proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to strengthen the sustainable management of marine resources, increase market transparency and improve the competitiveness of local producers in the supply chain. According to the report accompanying this document, fisheries and aquaculture producer organizations will have a central role in production planning, marketing and market coordination, through mandatory production and marketing plans to be approved by the relevant ministry.
The decision also provides for the creation and strengthening of cross-sectoral organizations, which will aim to improve coordination between producers, processors and traders, as well as increase the quality and traceability of products on the market.
Another important innovation is the establishment of new marketing and labeling standards for fishery products, including mandatory information on origin, production method, catch area and product characteristics, with the aim of better informing consumers.
The decision also provides for mechanisms for market stabilization, including financial support for the temporary storage of products when the sales price limit is not reached, as well as measures for managing market supply. The implementation of this decision will be supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, fisheries service institutions and inspection structures, which will guarantee compliance with the new rules and sustainability objectives in the sector. The decision enters into force upon publication in the “Official Gazette”.