There has still been no announcement of a financial support package for farmers facing huge price falls.
Speaking in Brussels on Monday, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen spoke of how the fight against coronavirus was impacting the entire economy, but that no disruption to the food sector would be tolerated and EU consumers would continue to have access to high-quality, affordable food.
She also referenced the extension of the deadline for payment applications until the middle of June, and the intended advance of payments that were announced on Friday. There is also some relaxation of inspections, but importantly, there was no mention of new money being available.
The Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) also met on Monday but there is no indication of agreement between member states on making more money available from the EU budget to support farmers.
Dairy reaction
The absence of financial support measures from today’s SCA have been slammed by Conor Mulvihill, director of Dairy Industry Ireland, who described the commissions approach as “penny wise pound foolish".
While recognising pressure on budgets because of COVID-19, he said the EU can no longer delay opening the toolbox to protect the industry and farmers, with private storage aid for dairy products a minimum requirement.
Read more
UK farmers forced to dump milk as smaller UK dairy companies slash milk prices
Contingency plans at Glanbia to minimise impact on peak milk collection
There has still been no announcement of a financial support package for farmers facing huge price falls.
Speaking in Brussels on Monday, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen spoke of how the fight against coronavirus was impacting the entire economy, but that no disruption to the food sector would be tolerated and EU consumers would continue to have access to high-quality, affordable food.
She also referenced the extension of the deadline for payment applications until the middle of June, and the intended advance of payments that were announced on Friday. There is also some relaxation of inspections, but importantly, there was no mention of new money being available.
The Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) also met on Monday but there is no indication of agreement between member states on making more money available from the EU budget to support farmers.
Dairy reaction
The absence of financial support measures from today’s SCA have been slammed by Conor Mulvihill, director of Dairy Industry Ireland, who described the commissions approach as “penny wise pound foolish".
While recognising pressure on budgets because of COVID-19, he said the EU can no longer delay opening the toolbox to protect the industry and farmers, with private storage aid for dairy products a minimum requirement.
Read more
UK farmers forced to dump milk as smaller UK dairy companies slash milk prices
Contingency plans at Glanbia to minimise impact on peak milk collection
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