Italy milk supply is declining, French supply is stable

The fact that the milk supply is not much higher or even lower than last year is largely due to the corona crisis. The declining demand for dairy products and the absence of staff due to the new corona infections have disrupted factories in the dairy sector and elsewhere in the food industry.

French milk supply
French dairy farmers produced 2.222 million tons of milk in March. Compared to the same month last year, production is 0,6% higher this year. The milk supply for March is also marginally higher than the 5-year average of 2.210 million tons.

French dairy farmers have been working to reduce milk production to avoid surpluses. French Agriculture Minister Didier Guillaume said: "We have been working to reduce milk production and we ask the European Union to take its responsibilities."

The French dairy industry has also launched a new campaign “Fromagissons” that should encourage consumers to buy more cheese. Sales of cheese products have declined by 60% since the outbreak of the corona pandemic.

Italian milk supply
Italian dairy farmers have produced less milk than last year. This year's production was 1.061 million tons of milk in March, a decrease of 3,5% compared to last year. The level in March this year is comparable to the 5-year average of 1.063 million tonnes.

Italy's milk supply was higher in January this year than last year. Less milk was produced in February than last year and the downward trend continued in March.