Dairy farmers decry low milk prices
Swiss dairy farmers have demanded better prices on the milk market.
Several dozen staged a demonstration in the Swiss capital Bern on Monday, calling for industry heads to help them earn a fair living.
They say that BO Milch, the industry organisation, has failed to curb overproduction. This in turn has led to a dramatic fall in the price of milk.
Uniterre – the farmers’ union – suggests a price of SFr1 ($0.94) per litre of milk.
Prices have sunk considerably since the Swiss dairy market was deregulated in 2008, but far too much milk is produced. The farmers have demanded measures to help balance supply and demand.
In June, the price went up from SFr0.62 to SFr0.65 per kilogram for the third quarter of 2010. Yet farmers say this still does not cover their costs.
Similar protests were held across Europe on Monday.
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