Supply costs bite into producers’ profits and add to prices
The supply and delivery of products represents a significant proportion of the price the consumer pays. Local markets are an outlet for a small number of producers, but the central markets of Athens and Thessaloniki are unable to ensure product quality or the transparency of the transaction. Thus supermarket chains have come to play a decisive role in the operation of the free market. Given the weakness of farmers’ cooperatives as negotiators, producers are forced to accept prices and terms set by the purchasers. The State’s efforts to boost exports have not had much success, with major markets being lost to more active and consistent competitors. The fact that the Agriculture Ministry and the General Trade Directorate of the Development Ministry are jointly in charge is frequently the source of problems.
