The Estonian competition authority has initiated a call for agricultural producers and suppliers to report their experiences with unfair trading practices. This effort aims to gain insights into the functioning of the agricultural and food supply chain and to identify any prohibited practices that may exist in the market.

According to Kristin Truusi, a lawyer in the authority's administrative procedures department, there is a lack of information reaching the authority regarding problematic trading practices. This raises concerns about whether such practices are present in the market and how aware market participants are of the illegality of certain actions. Many suppliers affected by unfair trading practices are economically dependent on larger buyers, which creates fear of deteriorating business relationships or even termination, preventing them from seeking solutions to these issues.

To improve the situation, the authority has developed a questionnaire that allows producers and suppliers to anonymously share their experiences and encounters with problematic trading practices. By completing the questionnaire, each producer can contribute significantly to the prevention and deterrence of unfair trading practices, as well as to ensuring a fair business environment.

The information collected will be used to assess market conditions, organize oversight activities, and raise awareness about these issues. The questionnaire will remain open until April 6.

In addition to the questionnaire, individuals can share their experiences, tips, or other information via email or phone, with the authority ensuring that the identity of those who reach out will be protected if desired.

In late 2021, a law aimed at preventing unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain came into effect, designed to protect sellers from unfair practices by buyers. The law establishes both private and public legal remedies for sellers in cases of unfair trading practices and outlines the basis and procedures for state and administrative oversight of its enforcement.

The Estonian competition authority oversees competition in various sectors, including electricity, natural gas, district heating, postal services, water supply and sewage, railways, aviation, and ports, while also working to prevent unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain.