Allister calls for retirement scheme in dairy sector
11 July 2009
Statement by outgoing TUV MEP Jim Allister
"As I come to the end of my term in Europe, I wish to record deep appreciation for the many letters and messages of thanks from within the agri-food sector for my efforts on the industry's behalf, over the last 5 years in Brussels. The generous tributes paid - from both organisations and individuals - are much appreciated.
As I have assured all who have been in touch I will be retaining my special interest in the agri-food sector and remain available to fight on its behalf.
Looking forward, within the EU, it is clear there are multiple challenges looming. Of abiding concern has to be the milk sector. With more and more producers staring into the financial abyss, I have come to the view that a component part of any rescue package from Brussels must be a buy-out/retirement option.
With more producers than can be sustained within the scale of production that is required, and with many producers approaching retirement age, the overall recovery and prosperity of the sector could be radically helped by a properly funded retirement scheme, whereby cows could be taken out of production and retiring farmers afforded a viable pension. Just as the Single Farm Payment evolved to meet changing circumstances and had the motivation, at least in part, of reducing production, so, with due regard to historic output, dairy farmers wanting to quit the industry should be assisted. Such would at the same time help those who remain, as prices should rise from lower production.
Thus, in the new Parliament, as negotiations begin over the reform of the CAP, this, I believe, is something to be pushed for on behalf of our dairy producers, particularly as the control mechanism of Quotas is phased out. Fischer-Boel has often said better prices lie with less production, but the proper management of such requires an assisted retirement scheme. The unfolding circumstances provide such an opportunity."
