EU Dairy Farmers Demand Market Reforms in Response to Ongoing Protests
Source: The DairyNews
A coalition of European Union (EU) dairy farmers, represented by the European Milk Board (EMB), has stressed the necessity for market reforms in the wake of recent farmer protests across Europe. The group, which includes the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA), argued that policymakers' responses and concessions in some countries have not adequately addressed the underlying issues affecting farmers' incomes, agriland writes.
The EMB emphasized that the protests go beyond concerns about subsidies or tax rebates, stating that the agricultural sector has become a "financial trap" for farmers due to neoliberal policies. The distribution of value across the chain has been deemed dysfunctional, with minimal benefits reaching producers and their families.
Kjartan Poulsen, President of the EMB, described the agricultural sector as "chronically gridlocked" and urged EU policymakers to implement long-overdue reforms to free producers from the financial challenges they face. Poulsen emphasized the centrality of addressing income issues to quell widespread protests within the farming community.
Adrien Lefevre, President of APLI, the French association of dairy farmers, expressed deep concern about the future of producers amidst increased compliance requirements and a decline in prices across European production sectors. Lefevre stressed the need for a positive message to the next generation of farmers to sustain the central role of agriculture in food provision.
The EMB called on policymakers to introduce reforms that structure the agri-food market, enabling cost-covering producer prices amid diminishing subsidies and a reduced willingness to support agriculture with taxpayer money. The group specifically advocated for an EU-wide regulation prohibiting prices that do not cover production costs and the integration of "crisis instruments" into EU agricultural policies. The ultimate goal is to ensure fair distribution of money along the value chain and foster a sustainable future for European dairy farmers.
Kjartan Poulsen, President of the EMB, described the agricultural sector as "chronically gridlocked" and urged EU policymakers to implement long-overdue reforms to free producers from the financial challenges they face. Poulsen emphasized the centrality of addressing income issues to quell widespread protests within the farming community.
Adrien Lefevre, President of APLI, the French association of dairy farmers, expressed deep concern about the future of producers amidst increased compliance requirements and a decline in prices across European production sectors. Lefevre stressed the need for a positive message to the next generation of farmers to sustain the central role of agriculture in food provision.
The EMB called on policymakers to introduce reforms that structure the agri-food market, enabling cost-covering producer prices amid diminishing subsidies and a reduced willingness to support agriculture with taxpayer money. The group specifically advocated for an EU-wide regulation prohibiting prices that do not cover production costs and the integration of "crisis instruments" into EU agricultural policies. The ultimate goal is to ensure fair distribution of money along the value chain and foster a sustainable future for European dairy farmers.
