Brussels, 15/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 14 January within the Special Agriculture Committee (SAC), EU member states were divided over the proposal to step up milk quotas by 2% dating from the 2008/09 marketing year (which begins on 1 April). The SAC will take a further look at this dossier on 28 January. An agreement within the Agriculture Council may be found in March, after adoption of the European Parliament's consultative opinion.
On 12 December 2007, the European Commission suggested an increase of 2%, i.e. 2.8 million tonnes, for milk production quotas allocated to the 27 EU member states. “A significant number” of member states support the Commission's proposal. Germany and Austria are countries which, to date, have been the most reticent to agree to such a rise. Other countries express caution, such as France and Finland, especially as this debate is foreseen within the framework of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) “health check”. These countries call for an analysis on price developments before any decision is taken on a rise in quotas. Other member states consider, however, that the proposal does not go far enough. The Netherlands, Italy, Ireland and Poland are requesting an increase of over 2% for milk quotas. (L.C.)