Milk crisis spreads as support given to German strikes - June 03th, 2008
Milk crisis spreads as support given to German strikes
Milk processors across Europe will enter fresh talks this week in an attempt to end the strike which has crippled milk supplies across the continent. And striking farmers have been given support from the UK industry, warning that prices must rise if supermarkets are to secure supplies of fresh milk. Farmers Union of Wales vice-president Eifion Huws said: "Last year the supermarkets and dairies woke up to the realities of facing major milk shortages in the near future. "This pan-European action stands as a stark warning that prices must rise significantly if we are to avoid returning to such a scenario. I give my full support to all those taking part in this quest for equitable farmgate prices."
German dairy farmers have already received support across Europe after farmers in neighbouring countries stopped exporting milk to Germany and also held demonstrations of their own. Many farmers in Austria, France and Switzerland have promised not to deliver milk to Germany whilst in Italy the milk producers association has urged members not to deliver milk to Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
European milk strike - the story so far
Germany - 13 dairies have now been blockaded, with almost 90 per cent of milk supplies disrupted.
Netherlands - 9 dairies have been blockaded - seven of Friesland Foods, one of Campina and one of the private firm Farm Dairy. The situation should ease after a high court judge declared the blockade of Freisland dairies unlawful.
Luxemburg - Many supermarkets ran out of fresh milk as more farmers joined the protests.
France - Protestors have blockaded dairies in the West of the country which supply milk to Germany.
Austria - as more farmers joined the protest this week, some dairies reported up to a 50 per cent drop in milk deliveries.
Source: Farmers Guardian, June 03th, 2008 |
