Motion for a resolution - B8-0588/2017Motion for a resolution
B8-0588/2017

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the butter shortage

24.10.2017

pursuant to Rule 133 of the Rules of Procedure

Joëlle Mélin, Mylène Troszczynski, Philippe Loiseau, Dominique Bilde, Steeve Briois, Sylvie Goddyn

B8‑0588/2017

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the butter shortage

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas the butter shortage, a result of the dairy crisis, is having a highly detrimental effect on the agricultural sector;

B.  whereas almost 30% of dairy farmers have left the industry since 2012, with no one to replace them;

C.  whereas the disappearance of family farms producing excellent milk is in turn leading to the disappearance of an entire high-quality produce chain;

D.  whereas the butter shortage is having a serious impact on craft traders and industrial manufacturers whose production hinges on the price of butter;

E.  whereas the sizeable stocks of milk powder, used by the Commission[1] as a tool to manage the market, is preventing any quick rise in milk prices;

F.  whereas milk prices in France are determined in annual negotiations between producers and distributors, limiting the leeway for increases;

G.  whereas the increase in the price of butter has particularly been caused by strong demand in the United States and China;

1.  Calls on the Commission to cease its involvement in the management of milk stocks;

2.  Calls on the Commission to reintroduce customs tariffs for dairy products in order to address the butter shortage.