The Agriculture Ministry has requested input from key producer organizations regarding proposed legislation to control prices for vegetables, dairy, and poultry items, as reported by Kommersant citing official correspondence.
The newspaper reveals that the ministry reached out to several industry groups, including Soyuzmoloko (National Milk Producers Union), the National Fruit and Vegetable Producers Union, the National Poultry Producers Union, and the Russian Poultry Union.
While two agricultural market insiders told the publication that industry associations oppose the measure, other producers chose not to share their stance. The draft amendments, jointly prepared by the Agriculture Ministry and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, are slated to take effect on March 1.
The proposal outlines two approaches. The first scenario mandates that by next year, retailers must source at least 80% of their goods through long-term direct contracts. These agreements cannot be canceled unilaterally without legal proceedings, and any predetermined or formula-based pricing can only be adjusted once annually.
A second, stricter option would implement price ceilings and floors for specific products, determined by a regulatory committee comprising government officials and industry representatives. Under this model, a minimum of 80% of goods would need to be sold within the approved price range.