The government will conduct an analysis with supermarkets, distribution networks, industry, and the primary sector this Wednesday through the Food Chain Observatory, the initiative focused on monitoring food prices from farm to table. This follows the mobilizations and protests by farmers and farm owners in Spain, which have intensified in recent weeks as they seek fair compensation for their produce.
Luis Planas, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, will chair the Observatory’s plenary meeting, scheduled at 16:00 at the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters. The meeting will address how the food chain operates, a central demand raised by farmers and ranchers.
In a prior address to the Congress of Deputies, the head of agriculture highlighted that since the food chain law has been in effect, more has been accomplished than expected. He cited 1,500 inspections and more than 650 sanctions. He added that the aim is to consolidate these controls, expand outreach efforts, and improve information on the law’s implementation, stressing that the rule is both compatible and effective.
Nevertheless, the president announced last week that the law prohibiting sales at a loss would receive stronger support in Congress. Data from the Food Information and Control Agency (AICA) show that since January 2023, only 195 companies have faced sanctions, with fines ranging from 1,801 to 42,769 euros, totaling 641,398 euros.
Prices from farm to table rise by up to nine times
Against this backdrop, food prices have surged as products move from field to fork, rising as much as ninefold according to the Origin and Destination Price Index (IPOD). This index, compiled monthly by the agricultural organization COAG, reflects the persistent inflation pressures and the drought’s impact on production observed throughout January.
Attendance at the observatory will include representatives from agricultural unions and cooperatives such as Asaja, COAG, UPA, and the Spanish Agri-Food Cooperatives, along with the National Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds representing the fishing sector and the FIAB, the federation for the food and beverage industry. The purpose is to establish a balanced framework that fosters fair, loyal, and effective competition while ensuring transparency and efficiency in marketing. Attending organizations from the commercial distribution side include Anged, Asedas, the Madrid-based Association of Wholesale Fruit Entrepreneurs (Asomafrut), and the Confederation of Spanish Meat Retailers (Cedecarne). Other participants include the Spanish National Confederation of Wholesale Fruit and Vegetables Companies (Coemfe) and the National Federation of Fish and Frozen Product Retail Entrepreneurs (Fedepesca). Consumers will be represented by Hispacoop, the Spanish Confederation of Consumer and User Cooperatives, and the National Civil Association of Consumers and Domestic Workers (Unae).