Proposal to extend milk quotas welcomed by majority

Germany: Dairy sector needs stability, and there are regions where there are no alternatives. We need updated analysis from commission.

Belgium: Extending quotas to 2015 is positive, but concern at the impact of reducing prices. I don't think we should bring forward the Agenda 2000 price reductions in milk.

Luxembourg: Welcome the extension of milk quotas because it brings stability. Don't see a need to bring forward the reform. Concern that 28% price cut would cut incomes as there is just 60% compensation.

Sweden: Dairy proposals are a step in the right direction, towards making European producers competitive on the world market.

Welcome the moving forward of dairy changes but extending milk quotas is not in line with Agenda 2000. Milk quotas would serve no purpose when intervention prices are reduced.

Portugal: I am concerned that the loss of income from milk price cuts is not offset by aid.

Finland: Milk is the most important product for Finland, and I welcome the extension of quotas but price cuts are a negative step. No need to bring forward the reforms.

Austria: Welcome the extension of milk quotas. Feel the asymmetrical approach to price cuts is the right one, but price cuts beyond Agenda 2000 are not needed. I am not convinced that the proposed increased quota can be absorbed by the market.

UK: I support dairy price cuts but I am frankly astounded at the proposals that milk quotas should be extended for another 7 years. An extra 2 years of price cuts but an extra 7 years of quotas.

Denmark: EU dairy products are losing ground on world markets. We should phase out milk quota as soon as possible. I welcome the higher cuts and the bringing forward of the starting date but it is too early to decide on keeping quotas until 2015.

Holland: I support proposals for increasing dairy quotas, but we should decide on the percentage increase in the future when we see what happens consumption.

Italy: I am disappointed at the extension of milk quotas. It will freeze rules that fly in the face of market principles. This kind of instrument cannot continue any longer and will have to come to an end in 2008.

France: I am against the price cuts proposed in cereals and milk. I support the extension of quotas but not the extra price cuts.

Greece: Greek milk quota is insufficient to provide the fresh milk needs of the population. Intervention and export refunds are unknown to Greek dairy farmers.