European Milk Board celebrates 20 years amid dairy crisis
EMB calls for voluntary supply reduction as milk prices fall again
16 July 2026
1 minute read
By: The European Milk Board marked its 20th anniversary at a general assembly in Italy, warning that the dairy sector faces mounting pressure from falling prices and rising production costs, according to a press release from the organisation.
Founded as a grassroots initiative by dairy farmers, the EMB has grown into a significant political force at European level. Key achievements include the introduction of the European Milk Market Observatory, scientific production cost calculations, a voluntary supply reduction scheme and mandatory contracts in the dairy sector.
"Twenty years of EMB show that producers can achieve real change when they stand together," said EMB president Kjartan Poulsen. "Many important issues that are discussed at European level today would never have progressed this far without the pressure and work of the EMB."
Rising global milk volumes, falling prices and high production costs are putting farms under severe economic strain. The EMB is calling for the activation of the voluntary supply reduction mechanism at European level, criticising member states and parts of the European Commission for their reluctance to act.
"The current situation shows once more that Europe needs functioning market instruments," Poulsen said. "Voluntary supply reduction is not a theoretical concept, but a necessary instrument for stabilising the milk market in times of crisis."
EMB vice-president Boris Gondouin highlighted the organisation's Fair Milk projects as a sign that consumers are willing to pay fairly for dairy products. "Fair Milk has shown that consumers are willing to support fair agriculture and that fair prices on the market are possible," he said.
