Verbatim report of proceedings

Thursday, 26 May 2016 - Brussels

Measures to address the crisis in the dairy sector (debate)

  Paul Brannen (S&D). – Madam President, against the backdrop of relentless problems in the dairy sector, I strongly believe that European dairy farmers need a realistic policy approach which could be based on the following four pillars. First, the power of consumers must be harnessed in support of struggling dairy farmers by making smart use of labelling, awareness raising and campaigning. Labelling can help ensure that a fair price is paid to the farmer. Second, the CAP should boost its risk management instruments designed to even out the effects of market volatility. Participation in income support tools should be encouraged and supported with contract-based supply chain relations with the retailer. Third, we need to facilitate the development of farmers’ groupings through cooperatives or producer organisations. United farmers are stronger farmers. And fourth, it is time the EU started seriously exploring viable economic alternatives to dairy production as it becomes obvious that we cannot continue with the current levels of milk output. I invite the Commission to consider these four approaches in the interests of fairness in the food supply chain and the legitimacy of the wider common agricultural policy.