Dear representative of the media,

We cordially invite you to our reception on June 20, 2016 in the European Parliament:

Europe's agricultural sector is at a turning point. This is clearly demonstrated by the dire circumstances in the dairy sector. With losses of 30 billion euros in the last 2 years, milk producers are bearing the brunt of the acute crisis. However, this income has vanished not only for farmers, but for all actors both up and downstream and from rural areas as a whole.

The past months have seen a continuous destruction of structures in the dairy sector: Hundreds of thousands of jobs and the opportunity to make a living from milk production have all been lost. And there seems to be no end in sight.

Europe must take the reins once again, assume responsibility and do everything possible to create a stronger, more sustainable dairy sector.

We would like to warmly invite you to a cocktail reception on June 20, 2016 at 18:30 in Brasserie Jan (JAN 03 Q) to discuss solutions for the dairy sector with milk producers and representatives from the affected sectors.

Time:                      Monday, 20 June 2016 (18:30 – 20:30)

Venue:                   European Parliament Brussels, Brasserie Jan (JAN 03 Q)

Guest Speakers:

Mr. Czesław Adam SIEKIERSKI, MEP

Chair of the Committee of Agriculture and Rural development

Mr. Matej HUDEC

Head of the Agricultural Policy section, Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the European Union

Mr. Julien BARRÉ

Adviser on animal production, French Ministry of Agriculture (tbc)

We look forward to seeing you!

EMB – European Milk Board

MEP Maria HEUBUCH (Greens/EFA)

MEP Marijana PETIR (EPP)

MEP Maria Lidia SENRA RODRÍGUEZ (GUE/NGL)

MEP Ricardo SERRÃO SANTOS (S&D)