Brussels, 14/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - The trialogue of 10 November on the proposed contractualisation in the dairy sector failed to lead to a compromise between the Council of Ministers of the EU and the European Parliament, but discussions are continuing on the controversial issues of the delivery of milk to producers under PGI (protected geographical indications), contracts between producers and dairies and the content of the contracts (including the duration). A further trialogue meeting on this dossier will take place in early December, with the aim of reaching an agreement at first reading by the end of the year.
The EP's rapporteur on milk, James Nicholson (ECR, UK), made it clear that the EP would not drop its calls for obligatory contracts (between producers and dairies), unless the Council agrees to the MEPs' demands on managing supplies for quality dairy products - under protected designation of origin (PDO) or protected geographical indication (PGI). The request on this subject consists of granting an exemption to producers with a PDO or PGI, which could limit their production volume (see also Agence EUROPE 10491). However, many northern European countries are opposed to the idea, due to fears that it could keep in place a disguised quota system (with milk quotas due to expire in 2015).
The Polish Presidency and the EP have therefore adopted a strategy of a strict framework for these supplies, to make them “acceptable” to the countries with misgivings.
As regards the content of the contract (particularly the duration), the Council is planning to come forward with a solution which has not yet been discussed in trialogue, as there is nothing specific in place for the time being. (LC/transl.fl)