The European dairy crisis has been caused by bad decisions in the last number of years, in particular those of the EU since 2003 and will lead to a social and rural disaster if the following measures are not taken without delay. These concern supply management, production levels, milk prices for producers and the distribution of production:
1) Reducing production :
It is necessary to remove the 1% increase in the quota for this year, and to question the increases planned for the coming years. It is then necessary to go further and make a significant reduction in the European quota.
2) Launch a debate on how to lower production.
If one wants to maintain the maximum number of producers, who are mostly small and middle-sized producers, it will be necessary to differentiate the reduction in production. Small producers should not undergo production decreases.
3) Maintain public supply management of production .
Producers must mobilize to force the EU to reconsider the decision taken in 2003 to abandon quotas in 2015.
4) Ensure a sufficient income for all dairy farmers :
this is impossible without supply management, better distribution of the quota and a minimum and remunerative purchase price from the milk industry.
5) Remove export refunds ,
the most visible form of dumping towards third countries (while the decoupled direct payment is the hidden form when products are exported). To question the obligation to import dairy products and the WTO agricultural agreement of 1994. It is necessary to exchange a duty (to stop the dumping) for a right (to be able to protect from imports at low prices).
6) Discourage over-intensive dairy production
dependent on soya, to support dairy production based on local fodder and permanent pastures (climate, biodiversity) and to develop more autonomous modes of production.
7) From the point of view of 2013, it is necessary to develop a new dairy policy in a CAP where the WTO framework is replaced by that of food sovereignty, essential to respond to the challenges of the current systemic crisis.