26 August, Minsk /BELTA correspondent/. Prices for semi-finished meat products at markets and fairs in Belarus are now not subject to maximum wholesale price limits. This is stipulated by Resolution No. 137 of the Ministry of Economy dated 24 August 2011, the ministry's public relations department informed BELTA. To increase meat sales volumes in the country's markets, prevent speculative resale, and create a competitive environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food adopted Resolution No. 137 of the Ministry of Economy "On Amending Resolution No. 65 of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus dated 27 April 2011". The new resolution stipulates that maximum wholesale price limits for meat (beef, pork) do not apply when setting wholesale prices for semi-finished meat products sold at Belarusian markets and fairs by agricultural organisations, farms, meat processing organisations, and consumer cooperation organisations. Previously, producers and consumer cooperation organisations set wholesale prices for semi-finished meat products based on maximum wholesale price limits. In this situation, trading at markets and fairs was unprofitable for them, which affected supply volumes. Moreover, products sold by producers often ended up with resellers who sold them at much higher prices. Resolution No. 137 of the Ministry of Economy allows producers to not apply maximum wholesale price limits when setting wholesale prices for semi-finished meat products at markets and fairs. As emphasised by the ministry, this should increase the supply of meat, as producers are placed on an equal footing with other market participants. The resolution comes into force on 27 August.-0-

BELTA