29 August 2014

2 minute read

Private Storage Aid has been announced on butter, skimmed milk powder and certain cheeses, the European Commission announced on Thursday.

The response is hoped to limit negative effects on the internal market. 

The Commission has also confirmed that the period for public intervention of butter & SMP will be extended until the end of the year.

Justifying the intervention, Agriculture and Rural Development Officer Dacian Ciolos said: "Price signals on the European dairy market show that the Russian ban is starting to hit this sector.

"In a number of Member States export earnings are being lost and new outlets need to be found. The European dairy sector needs time and help to adapt so I am announcing today targeted market support, focusing on milk powder, butter and exported cheeses If needed, further measures will follow.”

He said the Commission is assessing how the ban will effect European food producers. 

Mr Ciolos said: “In the coming days I will also present to Member States and the European Parliament a first full analysis of the short and medium term impact of this Russian ban on all major European agri-food sectors, together with an overview of the policy options.

"Again, my message to EU producers today is clear: Where material risks of market destabilisation appear, I will continue to use the new CAP to act pre-emptively to stabilise the market.”

TheCattleSite News Desk