EU milk market

6.3.2014

Question for written answer E-002676-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Jarosław Kalinowski (PPE)

Milk production is currently on the rise in most EU Member States. Farmers are clearly preparing themselves for the liberalisation of the milk market, expanding their herds and investing in buildings and equipment. The situation on the world market also reflects this trend, with demand for dairy products on the increase. All this suggests that many countries will exceed their national limits in the final two years of quotas.

With the above in mind I should like to call for effective action to be taken to reduce the penalties for exceeding quotas and allow milk producers to make preparations with a view to taking their businesses forward after the quota system has ceased to apply. It makes no sense to punish farmers for starting to prepare for the new situation after 2015, when quotas will no longer exist.

One decision that the Commission could take fairly swiftly and which might prevent farmers from having to pay stiff financial penalties for exceeding quotas would be to change the fat correction factor. All it would take would be to amend Commission Regulation (EC) No 595/2004.

Will the Commission be taking any steps to prevent farmers from having to pay stiff fines for exceeding quotas?

Will the Commission be adjusting the fat correction factor for the final two years of quotas, i.e. for the current quota year (2013-14) and for the quota year 2014-15?

OJ C 355, 08/10/2014