The Ministry of Agriculture has not received an official request from the Croatian Employers’ Association (HUP) regarding withdrawal from the work of the committees related to the regulations from the Rural Development Program and therefore cannot comment on the statement that HUP sent to the media, but can only speculate about the reasons and timing of this action, they reported on Monday from the Ministry.
HUP has, as stated by the Ministry, participated in the work of numerous committees established at the Ministry of Agriculture, including the drafting of the proposal for the regulations on the implementation of certain measures from the Rural Development Program.
The Ministry also notes that HUP participated in the drafting of the first regulation and appreciates the contribution of HUP representatives in the work of the committee.
“Through reasoned discussion, we have aligned part of our views on the content of the regulations, as well as on the goals of the Rural Development Program,” they say at the Ministry.
They note that HUP’s actions suggest that there is a conceptual difference in the approach to problem-solving and that this is not the first such move by HUP, adding that the employers’ association has already withdrawn from the work of the committee on the Law on the Prohibition of Unfair Trading Practices in the Food Supply Chain.
“It seems that HUP does not want to support the Ministry of Agriculture’s attempt to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain nor deviate from the usual business practices,” the Ministry states.
They emphasize that they remain open to cooperation with the aim of creating conditions for the uniform development of all participants in the chain, which will result in the competitiveness of the agriculture and food production sectors, a reduction in imports, and benefits for consumers.
“Since the regulation is in public discussion and every individual and interest group has the opportunity to submit their proposals, comments, and arguments for amending certain items of the proposed regulations, if HUP’s announcement about withdrawing from the committees is accurate, we are surprised by their choice of timing and manner of action,” the Ministry’s statement reads.
HUP withdraws from the committees related to the Regulations from the Rural Development Program
Members of the HUP Association of the Food Industry and Agriculture reported on Sunday that they are dissatisfied with the new proposals for the regulations on the implementation of measure M04 “Investments in Physical Assets,” as they believe that they represent a blow to domestic production and agricultural companies that employ a larger number of workers, as well as to small producers, and therefore are withdrawing from all committees related to the regulations from the Rural Development Program, in which they participated as a social partner.
As they explained, HUP members are dissatisfied with the sub-measures 4.1. “Support for Investments in Agricultural Holdings” and sub-measures 4.2. “Support for Investments in Processing, Marketing, and/or Development of Agricultural Products” in the regulation on the implementation of measure M04 “Investments in Physical Assets,” as they believe that in the proposed form they represent a serious problem for the uniform development of the domestic food industry and agriculture sector, considering the existing structure of producers and their capabilities and needs.
Particular objections to the new regulations are discriminatory provisions that unjustly treat related companies, which nurture a special tradition and history, which have been operating in these two sectors for decades, employ a large number of people, and are a significant link in the supply chain, HUP assesses.
