European agriculture ministers were in general agreement with the European Commission in Luxembourg on Monday 12 June that the agriculture market situation had indeed improved, particularly with regard to milk. However, vigilance must be maintained, they said.
Several ministers argued that the milk market had to be kept under surveillance. The Spanish and Irish ministers, in particular, highlighted the risks arising from the current stocks of milk powder. The Netherlands and Poland also made reference to the skimmed milk powder held in intervention stocks.
Italy drew attention to the difficulties being encountered by rice producers (as a result of the high level of imports) and peach and pear producers (resulting from the cold weather) and it spoke of a risk of a fall in wheat prices.
Spain indicated that drought was being experienced and spoke of potential problems in the sugar sector (end of production quotas in 2017) and the rice sector. The sugar sector was also mentioned by Slovakia. The Netherlands underlined the problems resulting from outbreaks of African swine fever, while Poland spoke of the negative impact of bird flu.
Romania highlighted unfair business practices in the food supply chain. Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan confirmed that, along with his opposite numbers in other directorates general, he was drafting proposals on this matter which could be presented in the second half of this year.
Some of the so-called liberal countries, such as Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, took the view, in summary, that the EU should not involve itself in regular market action and that sectors need sometimes to restructure. Denmark noted that the market adapts and adjusts to the crises.
The Commission said that the situation had improved considerably in a number of sectors over the last few months. It acknowledged difficulties in the poultry meat and pigmeat sectors in some EU member states. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)