Sodiaal distributes 25 million euros among farmers

The protests by the French dairy farmers seem to be having an effect. The largest French milk processor, Sodiaal, is taking a step towards the farmers after 2 days of blockages. 

The company released a statement after the general meeting: '25 million euros, from the 2016 financial year, will be distributed among 20.000 members. Exceptional circumstances call for exceptional measures," explains the French cooperative.

Actions by French dairy farmers
The French dairy farmers are fed up. The sector is struggling to keep its head above water. They demand a revaluation of the milk price. Action has taken place in the west of France for several days. The enraged dairy farmers blocked the exits of Sodiaal, Terrena, Agrial, Eurial, Even and Laïta. Waste containers were also dumped at various locations.

The dairy farmers demand 30 to 40 euros extra per 1.000 liters of milk. According to them, the price they are getting now is far below cost. In addition, the dairy farmers emphasize the big differences in Europe. 'The average price for 1.000 liters of milk in Belgium was 350 euros. In Germany it was 348 euros and in the Netherlands 365 euros. Why are we stuck at 310 euros?' That is what the agricultural organization FDSEA wonders.

After Sodiaal's statement, the dairy farmers withdrew and the protests ended. 'We have managed to raise the milk price to cost price', the agricultural organizations Jeunes Agriculteurs and FDSEA say in a joint statement. 'All cooperatives have agreed to an increase in the milk price in the third quarter to approximately 340 euros per 1.000 litres.'

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