“We will study all the measures in order to mitigate the gaps that existed at all stages of the food chain and ensure that the consumer pays a fair price”, she said.

Maria do Céu Antunes was speaking to journalists in Vila Nova de Paiva, in the district of Viseu, where she visited the 11th Feira do Fumeiro do Demo.

Announced in May 2022 by the Government, the creation of the price observatory was formalized by order published in October last year.

The aim is 'effective monitoring' of costs and prices along the agri-food supply chain and greater transparency.

Contacted by Lusa, a source from the Ministry of Agriculture did not provide a date for the Observatory to start operating, only stating that it will be "in the very near future".