Protest farmers to hit the streets of Brussels

Published on Tuesday 16 June 2009 19:25

TOURISTS and especially motorists, would be well advised to steer clear of the centre of Brussels over the weekend when dairy farmers from all over mainland Europe intend to stage a protest meeting at the low prices they are currently receiving for their milk. Tractors and cows are likely to be highly visible as anger mounts on a daily basis.

This protest follows on from a similar exercise just ten days ago, but there is every indication that this week's demonstration will step up a few gears.

Romauld Schaber, the president of the European Milk Board, said: "We call on the heads of state and government to put the catastrophic milk market situation at the top of their agenda.

"It is of urgent necessity to take immediate action and introduce flexible control of volumes enabling supply to be adjusted to demand."

Dairy farmers from Germany have also called on their female members throughout Europe to camp outside the Commission headquarters in Brussels over the forthcoming weekend. A hunger strike has also been threatened.