September 17, 2009

Around 250 French dairy farmers protested about the low milk prices in France at the livestock show SPACE taking place in Rennes, September 15-18.

 

The SPACE show is a forum whereby farmers can gather together and discuss current crises in the industry. The financial crisis and persistent problems in the livestock sector have caused much heartache to farmers, and now it is joined by a crisis in the dairy sector with a sharp fall in milk prices. 

 

The dairy farmers were drawn to Rennes because the French agriculture minister Bruno Le Maire was present at the first day.

 

Le Maire said the French government is teaming with German colleagues to propose changes to European dairy market rules. He said an extra EUR30 million will be dedicated to improve the drastic situation for the dairy farmers.

 

Le Maire also said a special meeting will be organised with banks, insurance companies and agriculture producers by the end of October.

 

In Belgium, angry dairy farmers have begun spraying three million litres of milk on a field in protest. The farmers said they have to sell their milk for less than it costs to produce and many face bankruptcy if the situation continues.

 

World demand for dairy products has fallen over the past year and milk producer prices have plummeted. The European Commission has responded to the crisis with additional funding and the reintroduction of export subsidies.