Video

Since the first days of 2008, Romanian farmers selling produce in local markets were supposed to carry special permits. Also, cheese, milk and eggs are supposed to be properly packaged and labeled in order to be sold. Farmers selling their produce in Bistrita markets know about the new regulations but stall applying them. We use electric milking devices and process the milk in special fitted rooms. We have permits valid until July 1, though we haven't started to apply EU standards yet. Our permits haven't been signed yet. We'll get them signed soon, everybody was free during the holidays. Although they seem to know the new regulations by heart, it's different in practice... The lady has been shopping here for years and she knows what kind of produce we sell. Regardless of the packaging, people demand to taste the product. Customers also agree with the vendors: packaging and labeling would be nothing but a waste of time. I've been shopping here for years, in the absence of labels. I know the farmers and I know whom to buy from. Farmers selling their produce at the market won't be fined because the deadline for applying the new norms has been postponed for the third time. Sanitary-veterinary authorities in Bistrita Nasaud estimate only 20% of local farmers are authorized.