EU farm ministers discuss milk crisis

A convoy of tractors headed out of Soumagne in Belgium bound for Brussels as EU agriculture ministers meet to discuss the milk crisis.
 
Dairy farmers across Europe have halted their three-week long strike to await the outcome of the talks.
 
In the past few weeks producers have dumped millions of gallons of milk and withheld supply
 
European Farmers are demanding a increase in prices and an end to the milk quota system.

The EU says that it will consider all possible options to solve the crisis including short-term market intervention as well as regulation for the future.

A joint French-German call for new dairy regulations has won the support of 20 of the 27 member states, however, Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel has reiterated her opposition to a reduction in dairy production quotas and has said the market is showing signs of recovery.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Agriculture, Belgium