Revival of local markets

Many people expect the revival of local markets to give small farmers in villages a chance to sell good quality produce at a favourable price, which would mean farmers and consumers profiting rather than multinational chains. Marketplaces in small towns are a good example of this model. Opponents of small, local markets usually speak about EU regulations, food safety standards and the rest when they try to explain why this is not good for us. However, small local food markets and vendors also exist in the most developed countries like Denmark or Sweden, though their products come from a large and certified supplier. Markets and shops exist in Germany, Austria and even Italy where only local farmers are allowed to sell their produce. The EU recognises the values of traditional agricultural production and marketplaces. Street vendors are an independent distribution channel, where customers support farmers instead of the multinational chains. Sales organisations of farmers exist, but these are bureaucratic and ineffective structures from the viewpoint of farmers at the moment. Some retail chains are also trying to take advantage of the growing demand for Hungarian produce. For example, CBA has signed an agreement with MAGOSZ which allows farmers to sell their products directly to consumers in front of CBA stores. Another initiative by MAGOSZ has been the establishment of a chain of social stores where Hungarian products are sold at low prices. We should also keep in mind that over 150,000 people are employed in the retail sector, there are 40,000 stores where food is sold, and HUF 1000 billion Has been invested in the retail sector in the past ten years.