21 September 2009

1 minute read

Speaking last week (18 September), the European Agriculture Commissioner, Mariann Fischer-Boel recognised the problem of volumes in the market, however President of the European Milk Board, Mr Schaber commented that the Commission's proposals fall short of removing surplus milk volumes effectively from the market to enable milk prices to recover to a livelihood-securing level and to ensure high-quality milk production.

The milk delivery strike has grown rapidly over the last week, with increasing numbers of dairy producers striking with results being seen. The Austrian Chancellor said officially last week that he would be 100 per cent supportive on EU-level and within national possibilities over flexible volume regulations. In Luxembourg, politicians gave support, saying that the milk market should not be absolutely liberal, regional issues should be considered. The French agricultural minister also expressed support.

Dairy farmers organisations of all three countries have stated that this is not the end of their strike participation. The European Milk Board (EMB) are organising further action in Brussels today (21 September), handing over EMB-demands to the president of the EU-Commission José Manuel Barroso.

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