Regional quote in the supermarket? Minister wants changes - Regional quote in the supermarket? Minister wants changes
Brandenburg’s agriculture minister, Hanka Mittelstädt, has called for a major change in how supermarkets stock their shelves. She wants stores to sell a larger share of food produced locally, suggesting a quota system or similar measures. The proposal aims to support regional farmers and make their products more widely available to shoppers.
Mittelstädt, a member of the SPD, described the need for a 'paradigm shift' in the grocery sector. Currently, just four large corporations dominate pricing, often squeezing local producers. She argued that fairer profits for farmers would let them reinvest in technology, eventually lowering costs for consumers.
The minister acknowledged that lower-income families often choose cheaper imports over regional goods. But she insisted that a mandatory quota—possibly around 40%—could help balance the market. However, she admitted that Brandenburg cannot enforce such a rule alone and would need federal backing. While the exact approach remains unclear, Mittelstädt stressed that the goal is sustainable farming. She wants retailers to prioritise local suppliers, ensuring farmers earn enough to keep producing quality food.
The proposal would require cooperation between state and federal governments to work. If adopted, it could reshape supermarket shelves, giving regional producers a bigger share of sales. Mittelstädt’s plan now faces debate over how to implement it fairly and effectively.
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