Irish dairy farming in 2024 is at a crossroads. The first half of the year has been characterised by poor weather conditions, high costs and an uncertain policy environment, not helped by this year’s local and European Parliament elections. The poor weather has been the most notable negative factor as we head into the second half of 2024. Even those parts of Ireland that normally escape the heaviest rainfall experienced record-breaking precipitation, and we have had livestock being housed in Ireland until April – a full month after they would normally be turned out to grass.

Alongside protests across Europe, Swiss farmers decided to speak out and voice their frustration. Among their concerns, the administrative burden is high up the list, which is why a new measure that the Federal Office of Agriculture plans to progressively implement as of 2025 was rejected at once.

The German Farmers’ Union (DBV) and German Raiffeisen Association wrote an open letter to Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner. The aim is probably to gain his support in preventing the transposition of Article 148 CMO into national law. By now, the dairy sector association (MIV) seems to take a more relaxed stance on this matter, stating that the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) should finally take action and do what they couldn’t help doing.

A comment from BDM: the case against implementing Article 148 of the Common Market Organisation (CMO) is based on bogus arguments, e.g. planned economy, state intervention in the market etc. The real question is whether supply contracts even constitute an intervention in the market or planned economy. If the above-mentioned organisations – especially the farmers' union – were as committed to improving the market position of farmers, to ensuring profitable producer prices and thus economic prospects for the sector as they are to working against this transposition, they would deserve their names – which is not the case right now. In a nutshell: we know that the implementation of Article 148 CMO is only a first step towards improving the market position of farmers and that many more must follow. But every journey begins with the first step. Apparently, there are concerns that farmers are finally learning to walk.

Minister Özdemir introducing grassland eco-schemes through the backdoor?

After the EU suspended the 4% set-aside rule, Federal Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, is now looking to strengthen eco-schemes on a voluntary basis. Given that proposals to reduce discrimination against dairy farms in eco-schemes failed due to resistance from the federal states, the Minister is planning a new attempt. By the end of this year, a new voluntary eco-scheme will provide more subsidies for grassland. It is not yet known whether this will also include conventionally farmed permanent grassland. At the last meeting with the Minister for Food and Agriculture, we reiterated the need for a separate eco-scheme for protein-rich permanent grassland. He also announced his intention to promote agroforestry more actively. He agrees with Minister Lemke (Environment, Greens) on the will to strengthen voluntary eco-schemes, but the Liberals (FDP) are probably not yet convinced.

Animal Welfare Act: BMEL making concessions on tethering

In the second attempt at cross-ministry coordination, the BMEL has amended the draft text of the Animal Welfare Act. There will supposedly be a ten-year transitional period for year-round tethering after all, while combined forms of husbandry will be authorised indefinitely, i.e. even after a farm transfer – albeit it is still restricted to farms with a maximum of 50 animals older than six months. In addition to grazing in the grassland season (no specified time), the intention is to stipulate outdoor access twice a week in the winter months. The requirements are therefore largely based on the EU Organic Production Regulation. The German Animal Welfare Association has already harshly criticised the draft. BDM thinks that the threshold of 50 animals definitely requires further analysis and will continue to engage in this discussion.

No real changes in milk prices

Frischli Milchwerke (43 cents), Mererei Bramstedt (42 cents), Sachsenmilch (41.7 cents), Allgäu Milch Käse (43.96 cents), Berchtesgadener Land (43.9 cents), Arla (38.17 cents), Friesland Campina (43.32 cents) – base price for 4.0% fat and 3.4% protein, excluding VAT and bonuses/deductions (e.g. S-class).

Johannes Fritz, Bundesverband Deutscher Milchviehhalter e.V. (BDM)

On 29 May 2024, dairy farmers from AbL, BDM and MEG Milch Board protested with a cow at the Gänsemarkt square in Hamburg. They called on the Liberal party to stop blocking obligatory milk supply contracts and on the two other parties in the three-party coalition not to give in to this pressure.

EU citizens have elected a new parliament and have voted against ‘business as usual’. This election has shown that politics must finally be for and with citizens. In agriculture, too, political strategies must be developed together with the people who work and operate in the sector. Farmers have felt left behind and socially and economically marginalised for many years.