'Increase in the Price of Milk Does not Affect Consumption'
FINLAND – Strong demand has seen milk heralded as the ‘national drink’ at the dairy future seminar in Kuusamo.
8 April 2013
1 minute read
Retail milk price has increased 18 per cent year on year, according to Eero Isonaa, Milk Committee Chairman for the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK). The main message from the MTK was that price rises do not affect milk consumption.
The importance of active farmer support and targeted funding schemes was also emphasised, particularly for those in disadvantaged areas.
The seminar offered the industry a look forward on post-quota dairy sector prospects from 2015. Mr Isonaa stressed the effect that EU policy reforms will have on Finnish farms.
“Expectations remain for two-thirds of Finland's milk to be from farms with less than 50 cows. The agricultural policy reform hugely determines the future of milk production on all sizes of operations,” said Mr Isonaa.
Explaining the issue of coupled payments Mr Isonaa added: "Dairy farm support per litre is the best tool for the investment and structural support is still needed for smaller farms."
Sami Kilpeläinen, MTK milk agent had good news about the processed market stating a growth in cheese consumption as particular cause for celebration.
"Milk has been proven to Finland's national drink and its nutritional image has been further strengthened. The positive thing is that cheese is tasting better to the Fins.”
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