Today more than 1000 tractors and 5000 dairy farmers of the European Milk Board (EMB) are demonstrating in front of the EU-Council building where an EMB delegation meets the President of the Agricultural Council Eskil Erlandsson  in the run up to today´s meeting of EU agricultural ministers concerning the milk issue. They are respresenting more than eighty thousand dairy farmers, who have been protesting with impressive actions for several weeks now.

Romuald Schaber, President of the EMB, addresses the President of the Agricultural Council with clear words „The EU policy has failed. A change of system is necessary. The volume must be regulated on the market, at producers level. Our propositions do not cost any money, our propositions are good for the people;  the consumers. They guarantee the production of good and healthy milk. And they are not allowing multinational companies to drive up their  earnings.“ Schaber refers to the demands of the EMB concerning flexible volume regulation, which have been sent to farm ministers and heads of government of the EU states as well as to the EU Commission

After the meeting Sieta van Keimpema, Vice President of the EMB spoke to the demonstrating farmers: „ we have a message for the ministers of agriculture, but also to the ministers of finance and economics. Introduce a reasonable milk policy!“ Pascal Massol of the French APLI adds: „That is what the dairy farmers and the consumers demand. A reasonable policy is necessary to guarantee a healthy milk production and fair prices.“

The delegation of the EMB also pointed out at the meeting with the President of the Agricultural Council that dairy farmers are running out of time and are not able to wait. Now at this very moment things have to change.

The results of the EU meeting are expected to be published late afternoon. Erwin Schoepges of the Belgian  MIG: „I think, they have understood our message. We have asked the ministers to come outside and talk to the farmers about the results of their meeting.

Contact:    Romuald Schaber, Präsident (DE): 0049/1515503 7174        Sieta van Keimpema, Vizepräsidentin (NL, EN, DE): 0031/612168000        Erwin Schoepges, MIG (DE, FR): 0032 497 90 45 47        Pascal Massol, Präsident APLI, Frankreich (FR): 0033/670517303