EMB urges ‘long-term prospects’ and fair prices for dairy farmers
The European Milk Board (EMB) called for far-reaching reforms on Monday to secure “long-term prospects” and fair pricing for dairy farmers across the EU, arguing that recent proposals from the European Commission fall short of addressing fundamental challenges.
The commission last week unveiled new measures aimed at strengthening farmers’ positions in the agri-food supply chain. These include targeted amendments to the Common Market Organisation (CMO) legal framework and new cross-border regulations to combat unfair trading practices.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that “fairness for farmers is a key priority.” However, the EMB described the proposals as “still too superficial,” particularly regarding compulsory contracts for milk deliveries.
While the EMB welcomed the introduction of EU-wide mandatory contracts, it stressed that such contracts would only be effective if they contained the “right conditions.” Specifically, it said contract prices must exceed production costs and urged that cooperatives not be exempted fr om compulsory contracts.
The group further demanded improved coordination between regulatory authorities to tackle unfair trading practices, warning that the commission’s current proposals lack sufficient scope.
“Farmers can remain in production only if fair pricing mechanisms are in place,” the EMB said. “Without this, the EU risks losing the next generation of farmers altogether.”
Kjartan Poulsen, president of the EMB, described the commission’s measures as “an important first step” but insufficient to address the sector’s deep-rooted problems.
“We need far-reaching reforms that offer farmers long-term prospects and substantially strengthen the sector,” Poulsen said. “Without fair price-setting and guaranteed fair remuneration, the challenges facing the dairy and agricultural sector cannot be resolved.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that “fairness for farmers is a key priority.” However, the EMB described the proposals as “still too superficial,” particularly regarding compulsory contracts for milk deliveries.
While the EMB welcomed the introduction of EU-wide mandatory contracts, it stressed that such contracts would only be effective if they contained the “right conditions.” Specifically, it said contract prices must exceed production costs and urged that cooperatives not be exempted fr om compulsory contracts.
The EMB also called for a revision clause to be included in contracts lasting more than six months. This would allow farmers to renegotiate terms in response to market changes, such as rising production costs, or to terminate agreements wh ere necessary.
The group further demanded improved coordination between regulatory authorities to tackle unfair trading practices, warning that the commission’s current proposals lack sufficient scope.
“Farmers can remain in production only if fair pricing mechanisms are in place,” the EMB said. “Without this, the EU risks losing the next generation of farmers altogether.”
Kjartan Poulsen, president of the EMB, described the commission’s measures as “an important first step” but insufficient to address the sector’s deep-rooted problems.
“We need far-reaching reforms that offer farmers long-term prospects and substantially strengthen the sector,” Poulsen said. “Without fair price-setting and guaranteed fair remuneration, the challenges facing the dairy and agricultural sector cannot be resolved.”
Key News of the Week
