The European Commission has once again rejected all the offers received in its sixth call for offers for the sale of some 22,000 tonnes of skimmed milk powder from intervention stocks (see EUROPE 11723).
The decision was backed unanimously by member state experts on 9 March. The offers were received from two member states – France and Poland – for the smallest quantity (136 tonnes) since the call for offers procedure was opened.
The prices offered ranged between €165 and €166.87/100kg: the market price is €193/100kg. “The prices and the quantities proposed show that there is no real interest in these products, which is understandable given the abundance of freshly produced powdered milk available on the market”, say the services of Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan. Hitherto, only 40 tonnes have been sold. That was in the very first call for offers in December.
A fresh call will close on 21 March. “Let me say very clearly that the Commission will not under any circumstances sell this product until such a time as the price is right”, said Hogan in his speech to the French federation of milk producers (FNPL) in Langres on 16 March, making clear the Commission’s commitment not to disturb the market. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)