French and Italian milk supply is recovering

French and Italian milk supplies dropped considerably in August. The French milk supply was higher than the Italian, but both recorded below last year's production level. Milk production in both countries recovered in September and more milk is being produced than last year.

Italy
Italian dairy farmers have produced a total of almost 932 thousand kilos of milk. The milk supply is approximately 2019% higher compared to September 3. Milk production is also well above the 5-year average, namely 3,8%.

The production level remains at a stable level compared to the previous month. A somewhat striking development, as the corona crisis already clearly affected milk production earlier this year and there is normally a decline in production levels between August and September.

France
In France, a total of 1.882 million kilos of milk was produced in September. This means the level is 1,2% higher than in the same period last year and approximately 1,6% above the 5-year average. Milk production remains below the level of the previous month, but this is a result of the seasonal trend.

Lactalis accused of environmental pollution
Dairy processor Lactalis is under fire in France. The dairy giant has been accused of polluting French rivers over the past decade. Investigation would show that the company has violated environmental regulations at various locations.

The French media organization Disclose investigated the situation and discovered that no fewer than 38 factories had allegedly failed to comply with environmental regulations. It even appears that government warnings have been generated in a number of locations, Disclose claims.

In a response, Lactalis says that the regulations allow one-off violations. The company does acknowledge the violations and says it has drawn up an investment plan so that this will not happen again. It is reported that approximately €60 million has already been invested in improving wastewater treatment plants.