“I can't be intimidated.” The Minister of Agriculture accuses retail pressure to block Romanian producers on the shelf
The Minister of Agriculture, Florin Barbu, sends a harsh warning to the big store chains and calls for a balanced relationship with local producers. The official announces that the state will carefully monitor the presence of Romanian products on the shelf and will not tolerate practices that disadvantage local producers.
Florin Barbu, firm message for retailers regarding Romanian products PHOTO Cătălin Mănescu
At the end of the interview, the minister emphasized that the relationship between Romanian retailers and producers must be based on collaboration, not on impositions.
Barbu drew attention to the fact that the dialogue with the large commercial chains will be conducted “strictly in the interest of the national producer”clearly pointing out the direction in which the state wants to go: “We want partnership, not dictation”.
The minister announced that the authorities will monitor more closely the presence of local products in stores and will intervene if they are replaced by imports. Barbu explains that his mandate is centered on the presence of Romanian products on the shelf.
He explained that there are legislative levers through which the state can react in such situations and warned that any attempt to marginalize Romanian producers will be sanctioned.
Allegations of paid campaigns against him
The minister claims that behind the criticism in the public space are actions financed by retailers. “Retail stores have been paid”he said, suggesting that there are vested interests trying to influence public perception.
Moreover, Barbu states that these pressures will not make him give up: “I am an official of the Romanian state, I took an oath and my duty is to the Romanians. Let me tell you clearly: I cannot be intimidated! There were pressures, there were discussions, but I will not take a step back. I will never give up until Romanian producers have the place they deserve on the shelf in Romania.”
He added that the phenomenon is also visible in the online environment: “An aggressive campaign against me can also be seen online“.
The state will closely monitor the market
In the same context, the minister announced that the authorities will monitor more strictly the presence of Romanian products in stores.
According to him, any attempt to replace local products with imports will be sanctioned by legislative instruments.
Although he did not file official complaints, he declared that he trusted the state institutions: “I am convinced, I trust the authority of the state that it has all the necessary levers to deal with certain paid campaigns”.
Call for balance in the market
The Minister of Agriculture emphasized that the main objective is to protect the Romanian producer and maintain a fair balance in the market.
In his view, without real collaboration between retailers, processors and farmers, the entire food chain can suffer.
The message sent is clear: the state will not remain passive, and the relationship with the big stores must be based on fair rules and transparency.
