Dairy producers from across Europe will join forces in Brussels on Monday, campaigning for fair pay. Their demonstration will coincide with the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting and will precede International Milk Day, as well as being two weeks before the European elections.
The protest, which is due to begin at 12:00, will feature delegations from Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, Lithuania, Ireland and Denmark parading under the mantra 'Fair income for farmers, now!'
"For years, we have seen farmers' earnings fall short, forcing many to abandon their livelihoods," explained Silvia Däberitz, General Manager of the non-profit European Milk Board, which is organising the protest. Däberitz highlighted a concerning trend which sees fewer young people entering the agricultural sector. This has an impact both on food sovereignty and security within the European Union.
The dairy producers will therefore use this opportunity to call on the European Parliament, the EU Council and the European Commission, as well as all agricultural organisations, to actively support fair incomes for their sector.
The parade is expected to draw several hundred participants complete with life-sized plastic cows painted in national colours. It will commence at midday from Place Luxembourg and head towards the Schuman roundabout. Däberitz noted that while producers were not asked to join the rally on tractors, the presence of a few agricultural machines would not be ruled out.
Traffic disruptions are expected from dawn in the Brussels region, particularly in the European district, stated the police zone Brussels-Capital/Ixelles in a Friday announcement. Commuters are advised to make use of public transportation, especially the metro and train systems.
