According to complaints from producers of agricultural products, since the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been cases of profiteering and increases in the prices of agricultural products that are borne by the final consumer. Although the products start out at their place of production at below-cost prices, they end up on the shelves being sold to consumers at very high prices because of the middlemen.

Specifically, potato growers in the prefectures of Messinia and Achaia complain that, while demand for new potatoes either remains low or else they are being sold by producers at about 0.25 cents per kilo, nevertheless they end up being sold to the consumer at EUR 1.25 per kilo.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

1. What does it intend to do to ensure that there are no major hikes in prices for agricultural products which would harm consumers?
2. Does it intend to issue guidelines to Member States to address the various forms of profiteering without delay?

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