European Milk Board Urges EU Farming Reform
Source: The DairyNews
The European Milk Board (EMB) is advocating for substantial reforms in the European Union's farming system, emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on taxpayer money. In an open letter addressed to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, the EMB expressed concern over the deteriorating situation for EU farmers.
Signed by EMB President Kjartan Poulsen, the letter highlighted ongoing large-scale protests by frustrated farmers across the EU, driven by issues such as low prices, high costs, and bureaucratic hurdles. Poulsen noted a growing support among citizens for farmers' concerns, coupled with a diminishing faith in political and public institutions.
The EMB extended an offer of cooperation to collaboratively establish a framework for European farming that brings about fundamental changes and reforms. Poulsen urged stakeholders to seize the moment and work towards a future-proof EU agricultural system where producers can earn a living fr om the market.
Emphasizing the inadequacy of temporarily addressing issues with subsidies, Poulsen stressed the necessity for the agricultural sector to transition away from dependence on taxpayer money. He called for a balanced sector wh ere profit margins are equitably distributed among various market stakeholders.
Poulsen asserted that addressing this aspect is crucial to avoid perpetuating the current situation that has led to protests across the EU. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that moves the agricultural sector from an unprofitable and subsidy-dependent state to a profitable one.
The EMB president argued that such reforms should encourage young individuals to enter the agriculture sector and provide existing farmers with the income required for sustainable food production. Poulsen concluded by inviting Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Wojciechowski to engage in discussions to explore and design essential reforms in the agricultural sector.
The EMB extended an offer of cooperation to collaboratively establish a framework for European farming that brings about fundamental changes and reforms. Poulsen urged stakeholders to seize the moment and work towards a future-proof EU agricultural system where producers can earn a living fr om the market.
Emphasizing the inadequacy of temporarily addressing issues with subsidies, Poulsen stressed the necessity for the agricultural sector to transition away from dependence on taxpayer money. He called for a balanced sector wh ere profit margins are equitably distributed among various market stakeholders.
Poulsen asserted that addressing this aspect is crucial to avoid perpetuating the current situation that has led to protests across the EU. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that moves the agricultural sector from an unprofitable and subsidy-dependent state to a profitable one.
The EMB president argued that such reforms should encourage young individuals to enter the agriculture sector and provide existing farmers with the income required for sustainable food production. Poulsen concluded by inviting Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Wojciechowski to engage in discussions to explore and design essential reforms in the agricultural sector.
