Regulations for selling farm produce at markets may be eased

The Ministry of Agriculture wants to ease requirements for fruits and vegetables sold directly by growers, but retailers see a risk of misleading consumers.

The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture is preparing a draft regulation on marketing standards for fruits and vegetables.These standards require, for example, that strawberries be intact and unblemished and that their country of origin and quality class be clearly indicated.According to Renata Tsaturjan, senior specialist in agricultural and rural policy at the ministry, the new regulation includes an exemption for those who sell their products directly on the local market.

“Until now, the rule was that regardless of whether you were a reseller or a grower, you had to comply with marketing standards at market stalls.