Brussels, 05/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - The activities of interbranch organisations, the length of contracts and the statement of quantities of raw milk produced are the most controversial issues in the European Commission proposal on contractualisation in the milk and dairy sector. Member states' experts sitting on the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) discussed these issues on Monday 4 April and are likely to continue negotiations in May and June in search of a first reading agreement with the European Parliament (EP).
Activities of interbranch organisations. The proposal allows for interbranch organisations to be authorised to match supply with demand for quality products with designations of origin (PDO, PGI). This is clearly an issue that divides the SCA. Some delegations, such as those of Italy, France and Austria, back this authorisation for interbranch organisations, taking the view that such a move would improve the management of supply and demand for quality goods available in limited quantities. Others (United Kingdom, Poland, Germany et al.) and indeed the Commission, however, are less inclined to support for a measure which they consider to exceed the powers of interbranch organisations.
Compulsory statement of quantities of raw milk produced. The question to be answered is: at which level should this be done? Most delegations are for a monthly statement of quantities produced. A minority of countries, such as the Netherlands, feel that such a statement would serve no purpose.
Contracts. Should countries be allowed to establish a minimum length for contracts? Very different approaches are advanced. Some, such as the Czech Republic, France, Italy and Spain, take the view that a minimum length of contract would fit in better with dairy production cycles and, like a tenancy agreement, would give a certain financial visibility. Others, such as Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, oppose such a measure fearing that it might distort competition. (L.C./transl.rt)