News Milk
No milk, but manure for French dairy in Spain
A group of at least 500 Spanish dairy farmers protested yesterday (Monday 9 August) at the gate of a Lactalis dairy in the Andalusia region. Livestock farmers are angry about what they see as the low milk money they receive. In addition, French dairy farms supplying Lactalis would receive more money than the Spanish suppliers.
The farmers were accompanied by about 50 tractors. Livestock farmers are demanding equal treatment and higher prices for milk, report Spanish media† This is important for the continued existence of the sector in the region. In the past 10 years, about 30% of companies have already had to close, according to the protesters. To reinforce the action, tons of solid manure was deposited in front of the gates of the factory, among other things. movies .
Costs higher than revenues
The Andalusia region in the south of Spain has about 475 dairy farms with about 60.000 head of cattle. The area therefore accounts for 8% of Spanish dairy production. According to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, the cost price for producers is about €0,35 per kilo of milk. Last year the livestock farmers received €0,31 to €0,33 per kilo of milk. As a result, production was loss-making. In addition, feed and energy costs have continued to rise since then.
According to the farmers, it is illegal by law to pay food producers unprofitable prices. According to them, this is stated in a law from 2013, and therefore, according to the livestock farmers, the government also has a tool to assist the farmers.
At the end of July there were also protests from farmers in Spain against the low milk prices. Some large Spanish supermarkets then promised to raise milk prices in the shops, in the expectation that this would mean a better income for livestock farmers. The protesters who called attention to the current situation yesterday warned that the protests could continue until they are offered a stable future.
Steve Wissink
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