Brussels, 20/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - According to a number of reports, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, is considering allowing the milk producers who must pay a super-levy for having exceeded their quotas for the 2014/2015 season to pay it interest-free over several years. This measure would come as a relief to milk producers hit by the consequences of the Russian ban on agricultural products from the EU.
At the most recent Agriculture Council, which was held in Brussels on 26 January, the Italian Minister proposed a staggering of the payment of the fine. In its request, Italy was supported by Poland, Slovenia, Luxembourg and Ireland. The milk quota regime will be abolished in April of this year. (Lionel Changeur)