European Parliament Votes to Support Dairy Farmers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th Sep 2009

South West MEP Graham Watson has welcomed a European Parliament vote calling for a series of measures to counter the growing crisis in the dairy farming sector.

The European Parliament called on the European Commission to take action for dairy farmers, who have seen product prices drop 40% in three years, whilst consumer prices have risen by 14%.

MEPs voted to continue supporting milk and cheese markets for four months, ensuring some immediate relief to struggling farmers. Graham Watson believes this is an important first step in returning this market to good health.

He said;

"We are faced with a ridiculous situation whereby dairy farmers are eating into their savings just to stay afloat."

"I voted in favour of action because I believe it is essential we support farmers who live and work in the South West but also around the rest of Europe."

"However, this is only a short term answer. The Liberal Democrats have long called for an independent supermarket watchdog to prevent big companies taking advantage of the farming community."