In the new document, important terms are clarified and expanded:
— the concept of "food security" now encompasses the state of the economy in which food is accessible both physically and economically;
— a new definition of "emergency food situation" has been introduced, which implies a threat of food crisis requiring state intervention;
— for the first time, the draft law mentions the concepts of "healthy nutrition" and "food independence," meaning the country's ability to provide itself with essential products even in the absence of imports.
The law also clarifies that food independence cannot be considered achieved if the annual production of staple food products in the country is less than 80% of the population's needs.
Furthermore, the government is granted the authority to introduce a special food security regime in crisis situations, establish guaranteed prices, control the export and import of food products, and carry out direct purchases of raw materials from agricultural producers for state reserves.
As part of this law, a council on food security and nutrition will be established, which will coordinate the actions of ministries, local authorities, and the private sector to prevent possible crises and promote a culture of healthy eating.
The new regulations will come into effect in ten days.
