Dairy farmers from the European Union sprayed milk powder onto a European Council building in Brussels during a protest over dairy prices. The EU recently purchased large quantities of skimmed milk powder in an effort to stabilize the market, but the EU says it will begin moving the stockpile as prices have improved. Protesting farmers told the Associated Press that the move would depress prices throughout Europe. A spokesperson with the European Milk Board says “only a real price increase and long-term stability on the market can save milk production across the EU from extinction.” The farmers say EU policies are driving them to the brink of bankruptcy and releasing more milk powder on the market would further complicate their plight.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.