Milk producers reject price hike proposed by Lactalis

Agriculture – Denial of excess. As farmers continue their mobilization to demand fair remuneration for their activities, the Lactalis Group has announced a proposal to increase milk prices. “In a constructive spirit, Lactalis France is increasing its January price from 405 EUR/1,000 L to 420 EUR/1,000 L and February by 15 EUR to 420 EUR. This effort corresponds to 15 EUR more than the Unell-Lactalis contract formula »Lactalis suggested in a press release this Saturday, February 3.

All premiums combined, this brings the producers total remuneration “ At 460 EUR/1,000 L in the first two months of the year », argues the businessman. This increase concerns 38/32 milk, an industry standard that means 38 grams of fat and 32 grams of protein per liter.

But the global milk giant’s proposal to go from 40 cents to 46 cents per liter does not satisfy the producers. According to Lactalis, UNEL, which represents more than 4,000 dairy farms supplying more than 2 billion liters of milk to Lactalis, rejected the increased rate. However, Unel could not immediately be reached to comment on this information.

Enel is seeking 5% against the sanctioned 3.7%

According to the echoThe producers’ association is demanding an increase of 5% compared to the 3.7% proposed by Lactalis as a compromise. “Lactalis France to continue dialogue with UNEL under mediation”.Lactalis confirmed to AFP on Sunday.

Regarding organic milk, Lactalis has emphasized implementing an increase of 19 euros per 1,000 liters in 2023 “ To support producers despite market deterioration. Almost half the volume of organic milk is sold at the price of standard milk, due to failure to find buyers.”

In mid-January, before national farmers’ movements demanded, among other things, better incomes, milk producers demonstrated in front of several Lactalis sites in the west of France to denounce the price of 405 euros for 1,000 liters (i.e. 40 cents per liter). ), set by the group unilaterally according to them and which “ Egalim does not consider the law at all” Who predicts” Negotiation and Consolidation of Milk Production Costs Leaving Our Farms ».

Current milk prices The evolution of production costs and the investments required to maintain their activity and attract young people are far from the needs of breeders”The dairy section of the Regional Federation of Agricultural Operators Unions of the West (FSEAO) condemned it some time ago.

To calm farmers’ anger, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on Thursday promised to “ Reinforcement” Egalim Law, with “ Massive Investigation » Sanctions against manufacturers and distributors, as well as those who do not respect this law.

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