European Dairy Farmers Rally for Fair Milk Prices at Paris Agricultural Show
Source: The DairyNews
Dairy farmers representing ten European countries staged a protest at the International Agricultural Show in Paris, demanding equitable distribution of funds within the agricultural sector.
The demonstration, led by Adrien Lefevre, president of the Association of Independent Milk Producers, unfolded dramatically in Hall 4, drawing applause from onlookers since the show's opening on Saturday.
Lefevre emphasized the urgent need for improved financial allocation to the agricultural sector, stating, "Sixteen European countries have witnessed agricultural demonstrations in 2024, reflecting a significant concern as prices decline across various productions."
Citing dissatisfaction with the Egalim law, implemented in October 2021 to safeguard fair and stable incomes for farmers, Lefevre argued that it fails to consider appropriate price indicators. "After calculating our production costs, the average stands at 56 cents in the major producing countries, France and Germany," he asserted.
Farmers contend that this 56-cent rate falls short of covering production costs and salaries, fueling their call for a more just distribution of resources.
Kjartan Poulsen, president of the European Milk Board (EMB), expressed disbelief at the treatment of farmers in Europe. "We supply food for everyone in Europe daily, so please treat us a little bit better. But this is not what we see at the moment," he lamented, emphasizing the need for fair pricing that benefits both farmers and consumers.
Poulsen added, "We can secure a fair price for farmers and consumers, but companies are siphoning our funds."
The overarching struggle revolves around inadequate milk prices, corporate exploitation, and governmental policies, leaving many European farmers grappling with the challenge of covering production costs.
Andre Lefranc, a member of the Association of Independent Milk Producers, advocated for European regulations, citing the absence of fair pricing due to lax regulations and excessive milk powder production for export by manufacturers.
Lefevre emphasized the urgent need for improved financial allocation to the agricultural sector, stating, "Sixteen European countries have witnessed agricultural demonstrations in 2024, reflecting a significant concern as prices decline across various productions."
Citing dissatisfaction with the Egalim law, implemented in October 2021 to safeguard fair and stable incomes for farmers, Lefevre argued that it fails to consider appropriate price indicators. "After calculating our production costs, the average stands at 56 cents in the major producing countries, France and Germany," he asserted.
Farmers contend that this 56-cent rate falls short of covering production costs and salaries, fueling their call for a more just distribution of resources.
Kjartan Poulsen, president of the European Milk Board (EMB), expressed disbelief at the treatment of farmers in Europe. "We supply food for everyone in Europe daily, so please treat us a little bit better. But this is not what we see at the moment," he lamented, emphasizing the need for fair pricing that benefits both farmers and consumers.
Poulsen added, "We can secure a fair price for farmers and consumers, but companies are siphoning our funds."
The overarching struggle revolves around inadequate milk prices, corporate exploitation, and governmental policies, leaving many European farmers grappling with the challenge of covering production costs.
Andre Lefranc, a member of the Association of Independent Milk Producers, advocated for European regulations, citing the absence of fair pricing due to lax regulations and excessive milk powder production for export by manufacturers.
