Conservative and Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson, has met with a delegation of representatives from the UK’s dairy industry to brief them on his continued work in Brussels negotiating the Dairy Package.
Following the meeting in Belfast Mr. Nicholson said: “I am glad of this opportunity to meet again with those representing the processors to not only update them on the progress we have made but also to gauge their opinions on elements of the legislation which are still being discussed.
Negotiating the Dairy Package has been a long process; seeking agreement between the Commission, Council and the main blocs within Parliament has involved a lot of work. Because of codecision it is the first time that MEPs have really been involved in formulating legislation so this is being viewed by many as a test-run for how negotiations surrounding the reform of the CAP will operate. However, the CAP negotiations will be a lot more time consuming because of the number of separate issues involved.
The final Dairy Package will define the shape of the dairy industry after milk quotas so it is important that we get it right, we must have the correct balance so that everyone gets a fair share of the profits. One thing of which I am sure is that all parts of the supply chain must co-operate in the future. As rapporteur - the Parliament’s negotiator on this issue - I have sought to ensure this co-operation by involving the entire supply chain through every step of this negotiation process.
I am hopeful that the details of the Package will be finalised in my next meeting with the Commission and Council on 10th November. This will mean that the dairy industry will have time to prepare for the future well in advance of the outcome of the lengthy CAP negotiations.”