In a non-binding report drawn up on the topic, UK MEP Jim Nicholson highlights the fact that dairy farmers, and in particular small-scale farmers, are particularly vulnerable to income variations and risks owing to high capital costs, volatile dairy commodity prices and input and energy costs.

The report also stresses that the Russian ban on European dairy products since August 2014 has had a negative impact on the EU internal market, and therefore demonstrates the need to be prepared for the application of crisis-related market measures.

Nicholson is thus insisting the EU develops "more responsive and more realistic safety net provisions" to protect dairy farmers.

These include mechanisms to protect farms from abuses in the retail market, with the report urging the Commission to clamp down on unfair trading practices. The report also asks for the EU to strengthen the role of producer organisations and boost funds for vulnerable producers such as those in remote regions.

It also recommends that revenue from repayment of the superlevy fine over the next three years remain within the CAP budget in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the dairy sector.

The vote comes only a few months after the end of European milk quotas, which were 30 years in operation. The Commission says the end of quotas will boost exports but some fear it will harm vulnerable milk producers such as those in remote areas.

MEPs call for stronger dairy aid tools

In a vote on 7 July, MEPs will call on the EU's executive to study the option of a new dairy crisis tool to mitigate against farmers' volatile cost margins and the impact of the Russian food ban.