Milk quotas and the changing pattern of dairying in France
Abstract Quotas were introduced in 1984 as a means of controlling output and expenditure in the EEC dairy sector. Far from fossilising production patterns as was originally feared, the implementation of quotas in France was taken as an opportunity for restructuring the industry, particularly through the use of an outgoers payment. The extent and spatial pattern of this restructuring has, however, been severely constrained by social objectives concerned with maintaining production in certain fragile rural areas. In line with more general attempts to decrease support for agriculture within the EEC, the French government is now proposing that future restructuring must be the financial responsibility of the dairy profession and regional authorities.
Milk quotas in France
Abstract Milk quotas were introduced in 1984 to control the problems of surpluses. In France, milk deliveries have fallen by 2% and over 40,000 farmers have left dairying with an outgoers grant. The effects on agricultural patterns, markets and linked activities are already considerable and will be even more extensive as technological change within dairying releases land from milk production. A further downward adjustment in quotas will be necessary to remove existing surpluses.
Three methods for reducing EEC milk supplies
Abstract The EEC has for many years been labouring under a structural overproduction of milk which is reflected in ever-higher surplus stocks of butter and skimmed milk powder. These represent an increasingly heavy burden for the EEC budget, because they are being sold through ever-costlier subsidized campaigns. Such campaigns disrupt the markets for fresh butter and margarine and make no contribution to a structural solution of the problem.