About a hundred farmers protested in Brussels, calling for a law on the price of dairy products. They demanded a law banning the sale of dairy products below production costs, citing the disparity between what it costs farmers to produce milk and what consumers pay. The protesters, some carrying fake cows painted in the colors of the European flag, marched between the European Parliament and Commission headquarters. They sought a European version of a Spanish law that prohibits selling products below cost at all stages of the purchasing chain. The president of the European Milk Board emphasized the need for fair prices for producers, as current prices do not cover production costs.
The president of the Po Valley Milk Producers’ Association highlighted the challenges faced by Italian dairy producers, with production costs averaging 60-65 cents per liter while producers earn only 50 cents. The gap of 15 cents has led to the closure of many dairy farms over the past 25 years. He stressed the importance of fair prices to ensure the survival of dairy farms and the need for a level playing field for all market players. The protesters also called for anti-crisis tools for the agricultural sector and the creation of organizations to unite dairy producers from various supply chains. They emphasized the need for imported milk to meet local environmental standards and requested greater involvement in shaping European agricultural policies.
While the protesters focused primarily on the issue of dairy product prices, they also expressed concerns about the Green Deal, the EU plan to achieve net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. In particular, they called for the cancellation of the “Farm to Fork” program, a part of the Green Deal focused on agriculture. One protester highlighted the outdated nature of environmental measures, such as the nitrates directive, and the need for updated policies based on current data and concepts. The farmers emphasized the importance of an open dialogue with European Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski and sought to increase pressure ahead of the European elections to ensure their concerns are addressed.
The dairy farmers’ protest in Brussels reflects a broader struggle facing the agricultural sector across Europe. The disparity between production costs and selling prices threatens the sustainability of dairy farming, leading to the closure of many farms over the years. The protesters emphasized the need for fair prices that cover production costs and ensure the viability of dairy farming. They called for legislative measures to prevent the sale of dairy products below cost and greater involvement in shaping European agricultural policies to address the challenges faced by dairy producers. The protest also highlighted concerns about the Green Deal and the need for updated environmental policies to support sustainable agriculture.
Overall, the dairy farmers’ protest highlighted the urgent need for fair prices and support for dairy producers to ensure the sustainability of the sector. The protesters called for legislation to prevent the sale of dairy products below production costs and emphasized the importance of fair prices to support dairy farming. They also raised concerns about outdated environmental policies and called for updated measures based on current data and concepts. The protest in Brussels underscored the challenges facing dairy farmers across Europe and the need for policies that support the viability and sustainability of the agricultural sector. The protesters sought to engage with policymakers and increase pressure to ensure their concerns are addressed ahead of the European elections.
