Brussels, 28/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - According to the latest figures published on Monday 25 July by the European Milk Market Observatory, milk collection in some EU countries is slowing, but prices remain very low. A few countries, the Netherlands for example, are still seeing milk production figures rising.
In April to May 2016, eight countries produced less milk than in the same period in 2015, viz. Portugal (-5.9%), the United Kingdom (-4.l1 %), Croatia (-3.9%), Slovakia (-3.4%), Sweden (-1.6%), France (-1.4%) and Greece (-0.1%). While some countries are seeing increased volumes (the Netherlands +9.5% and Bulgaria +11.3%), the figures seem to be dropping in other big Northern European producer countries. In April to May 2016, Ireland increased production by only 0.8%, as did Denmark, unlike the first months of 2016, where volumes significantly increased. Germany recorded growth of 1.7%.
The European Milk Market Observatory notes that, from January to May 2016, milk deliveries in Europe grew by 4.5% on the previous year. 2015 saw milk production rise sharply.
Technical discussions on €500 million aid plan resume on 25 August. Technical discussions among countries' experts and the European Commission about the €500 million plan to tackle the diary crisis, unveiled by the Commission on 18 July, began on 20 July (see EUROPE 11596). The discussions are expected to end on 25 August, when there will be a vote at the EU's CMO Committee and the expert group on the implementing acts. The acts are expected to be adopted in early September and come into force immediately under the emergency procedure that has been activated.
Farmers will need to apply individually to share in the €150 million earmarked for reducing production (on a voluntary basis). EU countries will have to pledge to ensure that the aid is only paid to farmers who have cut dairy production. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)