Romania’s Senate adopted on October 6 a draft proposal which provides that 51% of the meat, fruit and vegetables the big retailers sell throughout the year need to be produced locally.

The social-democrat MP Ovidiu Dontu who initiated the bill said that he wanted to offer national agriculture producers easy access to the large retailers, reports local Agerpres.

During the winter months, fruit and vegetables from imports need to account for maximum 70% of the retailers’ offer. Companies that fail to comply with these provisions would receive fines between EUR 5,600 and EUR 11,300.

The bill also needs to receive the approval of the Chamber of Deputies, in order to enter into force.

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