The notifications received by the Commission show that over 52 000 dairy farmers in 27 Member States have applied to participate in the scheme.
Commissioner Hogan said the figures showed that "the scheme has proven to be both very attractive and successful. It fully meets our expectations. I am confident that this measure, allied to others included in the July and earlier packages, will contribute further to an already stabilising market situation in the European dairy market. I am particularly pleased at the level of participation among the main dairy producing Member States." While signs of recovery are already evident, particularly in certain commodity prices, the main objective remains to see improving market sentiment translated into higher farm-gate prices to the benefit of producers. More information can be found in the news item and in the country-by-country statistics.
With a budget of €150 million, the Milk Production Reduction Scheme is part of the €500 million aid package for the dairy sector presented by the Commission in July.
