Source: European Parliament
The EU agri-food chain observatory (AFCO) was launched in 2024 as one of the actions that aim to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain and reinforce trust between actors.
As set out in its Terms of Reference[1], the purpose of AFCO is to advise the Commission and to exchange information and discuss with a view to establishing a common diagnosis of the situation across markets, and bring increased transparency on prices, cost structure, margin distribution and added value in the supply chain, while respecting confidentiality and competition rules.
Market observatories, such as AFCO, provide advice and expertise and do not engage in policy discussions. In line with its Terms of Reference, by assessing and taking stock of the situation within the supply chain, the group provides inputs to inform policy responses by the Commission and other policy-makers.
Members of the AFCO exchange information based on available evidence and facts. These include existing data collected by the Commission, such as the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development and Eurostat, as well as information made available by members in full respect of confidentiality and competition rules.
The Commission assesses the quality of data. Potential limitations in their use, comparability or interpretation are taken into account and clearly communicated when data are disseminated.
The AFCO has convened three times since its creation. Its work currently focuses on identifying relevant data sources and data gaps, with a view to enabling the group to monitor the agri-food supply chain.
- [1] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups/consult?lang=en&groupID=3949.