Following amendments to the Agricultural Produce Act last March, meat processing plants were exempted from the ban on illegal collusion and from the Competition Authority's merger control. Subsequently, the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) sent a request to the Ministry of Food, where it is being considered whether the amendments are compatible with the EEA Agreement.
In preparing its responses, the ministry requested a report from the Competition Authority. That report, dated 19 June, has now been published on the authority's website.
In the opinion, the Competition Authority calls on the Ministry of Food to act without delay to amend the newly introduced derogation powers, with a view to preventing the damage that could result for farmers and consumers. At the same time, it must be ensured that the exemption authorisations in this area are consistent with the obligations of the EEA Agreement.
The review provides a more detailed justification for this. The review is available. here.
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