Portuguese milk producers stand to lose 70% of their support 

Question for written answer  E-001418/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Nuno Melo (PPE)

According to a recent report circulating in Portugal, mainland dairy farmers have now been warned of a possible 70% cut in their support at the end of 2026 if the CAP reform negotiations continue along their current trajectory. This has been announced by the Federation of Milk Cooperatives – FENELAC, based on a study by the Católica Porto Business School.

On closer analysis, it appears that Barcelos might be hardest hit, with total losses of EUR 12.2 million -82 %), followed by Vila do Conde with a cut of EUR 9.2 million (-83 %).

• 1.Is the Commission aware of the above study? What is its own assessment of the situation?
• 2.In view of the different geographical and farming conditions in each region of Portugal, the fact that the dairy sector accounts for 12% of national farming output, providing around 11 500 jobs in Portugal and the disastrous prospects for milk producers in the north of the country, does the Commission consider such changes in support levels to be fair?