Open-air farmers' markets to close as sellers go on strike

Producers who sell their agricultural goods at open-air markets around the country are to begin an open-ended strike as of Monday in protest at proposed changes to legislation governing how the markets are managed.

The association representing the producers, POSPLA, said that the government had failed to consult with them properly before submitting the legislation.

The producers are opposed to a range of provisions, which include municipalities being given the right to decide the maximum number of stalls at each market and the proposed physical separation of stalls run by producers and traders.

The draft law also proposes that public lotteries should be held to decide where each producer sets up their stall.