Milk production below EU quota

Milk production increased by 1,500 tons last year but remained below the EU quota, according to the latest figures published by the European Commission.

With just one dairy facility, Maltese farmers last year delivered 41,769 tons of milk, as against the 40,275 tons a year earlier.

The Commission noted that the production of milk by Maltese farmers was still below the quota permitted by the EU, set at over 50,000 tons.

On an EU level, overall milk production was six per cent below the quota even though five member states produced much more than permitted and will be paying a levy running into millions of euros. The Commission said Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Cyprus and Luxembourg exceeded their dairy quotas in 2010/2011, resulting in a levy of about €55.57 million.

A total of 14 member states, including Malta, recorded deliveries at least 10 per cent below their quota.