Dairy Farmers Want 'Clear Signal' From Commission
EUROPE – Farmers want a ‘clear signal’ about the future of dairy farming, says pan-European farming body Copa-Cogeca.
17 June 2014
1 minute read
This is the latest message from an organisation ‘disappointed’ by the ‘lack of direction’ shown by EU farm ministers.
Milk super levies and price volatility were ways in which Copa figureheads Mansel Raymond and Pekka Pesonen said ‘pressure’ could be alleviated from farmers.
They want to see EU farmers capitalise on new opportunities and not be restricted by cash-flow problems.
Mr Raymond said: “Global demand for dairy products is predicted to be positive in the medium-term, forecast to grow by 2.3 per cent annually up to 2020.”
He added: “Farmers need to be in a position to make use of these growing market opportunities.”
This followed the release of the Commission report on the ‘milk package’ last Friday.
In its review of the report, the National Farmers Union said that no ‘new ground’ had been made regarding contracts, but a factual analysis of progress has been provided.
As it stands, twelve countries are running compulsory contracts.
Meanwhile, Belgium and the UK adopted codes of practice.
Michael Priestley
News Team - Editor
Mainly production and market stories on ruminants sector. Works closely with sustainability consultants at FAI Farms
