Commission actions to resolve the crisis on Poland's dairy market
7.4.2016
Question for written answer E-002844-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Stanisław Ożóg (ECR) , Zbigniew Kuźmiuk (ECR) , Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR) , Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR)
Dairy producers often contact our offices requesting assistance in view of the dire situation on the dairy market. The Polish dairy market is suffering due to the Russian embargo on dairy products. Milk prices are falling and farmers are severely punished for exceeding dairy quotas.
The EU's current policy fails the test. There is a need to take specific steps in support of farmers from the crisis-hit dairy sector. The lack of decisive and effective action will lead to many agricultural holdings — often modernised using EU funds — going bankrupt.
In this connection:
- 1.Does the Commission perceive a need to change its current policy on the dairy market, and what sort of initiatives will it carry out to assist farmers?
- 2.Is the Commission considering allocating additional funds to support crisis-hit dairy producers?
- 3.Would the Commission consider exempting dairy producers from — or delaying — fines for exceeding quotas?