Towards a resolution of the conflict which has been undermining the dairy sector for several weeks. The world number one in milk Lactalis and the organization bringing together the majority of French breeders who supply it with milk announced on Friday that they had reached “an agreement on the price of milk” for the first quarter of 2024. “The price for the months of January, February and March is thus set at 425 euros per 1000 liters for basic milk, or five euros more than the manufacturer’s last proposal, according to a joint press release.
The conflict between the French agri-food leader and the National Union of Livestock Breeders Lactalis (Unell), which represents 60% of its conventional milk suppliers, has fueled the anger of farmers in recent weeks. The company has been targeted by several demonstrations. Again on Tuesday, members of the Confédération paysanne took over its stand at the Agricultural Show to denounce milk prices that were too low.
Lactalis and Unell have been in mediation since January 29. “The parties each welcome this shared agreement. After several weeks of tension and uncertainty, it should provide serenity to build the future,” it is stated in the press release. “In-depth work” continues “on adjustments to the contractual formula” from which the price of milk is developed. This formula takes into account the production costs of breeders but also the prices at which Lactalis manages to sell the products made from their milk on the national market and for export.