The Ministry of Agriculture had earlier asked for EUR 32 million to compensate for damages incurred by farmers in 8 months of 2015. However, as the situation has not changed, the total amount needed for 2015 may reach EUR 50 million. Butkevičius has stressed before the meeting that the situation of Lithuania’s dairy producers is critical. In the first half of 2015, export of milk and dairy products from Lithuania fell by 34 percent due to worldwide decrease in milk purchase prices and food product embargo imposed by Russia.
“Today we have asked the European Commission (EC) to provide Lithuanian dairy producers targeted assistance amounting to EUR 50 million in 2015,” said the prime minister.
Prior to the meeting European Commissioner responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, emphasised that the EC is aware about the issues in Lithuania’s dairy sector.
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