Fischer Boel: quotas ‘out of place’

MILK quotas are out of place in the reformed Common Agricultural Policy — that’s the personal belief of EU Farm Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel.

She told the British National Farmers’ Union annual conference in Birmingham that the milk quota system does not expire until 2015 “but if we decided not to renew it, we would have to make that clear as soon as possible, to give the dairy industry adequate time to prepare”.

“I am signalling now which way I think the wind is blowing. I believe milk quotas are out of place in the reformed CAP.

“They put a serious constraint on competitiveness at a time when competitiveness is what we are supposedly encouraging. We should let them pass into history.”

Meanwhile, the Irish Dairy Industry Association (IDIA) said EU policy clarity was essential to prepare the dairy industry for the abolishment of milk quotas. Director Michael Barry said clear EU policy is essential for a transition to quota-free environment.

“The commission’s CAP Health Check in 2008 is the ideal opportunity to provide this policy clarity. As an important dairy exporter, Ireland must take the lead in this crucial debate,” he said.

The IBEC-affiliated IDIA, representing the Irish dairy processing industry, has just launched a policy discussion document in which it sets out guiding principles to underpin preparation for the removal of quotas.

Mr Barry said: “The IDIA wants the debate in Ireland to focus on the primary objective of ensuring continued profitable milk production.”