Mapping of the disadvantaged areas for milk production in Europe

This report provides the classification and mapping across Europe of disadvantaged areas in relation to milk production. The classification is based on a set of geographical, economic, and structural criteria, all of which have been quantified using objectively verifiable indicators compiled by Eurostat and DG Agriculture.

The main goal of this work is to contribute to the adoption of a common definition of these areas across the European Union (EU). The need to monitor the territorial impact of the EU dairy policy on disadvantaged milk producing areas is currently not supported by a common understanding of what makes these areas ‘disadvantaged’ with respect to milk production, and where, precisely, these areas are located.

The 2014 EC Report on the evolution of the market situation (COM(2014)354) provides evidence that Member States (MS) share the same difficulty. While some countries refer to physical handicaps or geographical features when defining disadvantaged conditions, others refer to yields or costs, or do not have an opinion on the criteria to be used.

EU Bookshop: Find further publications of the Committee of the Regions through EU Bookshop http://bookshop.europa.eu/en/committee-of-the-regions-of-the-european-union-cbziQKABstXaMAAAEjH4kY4e5K/

Commitee of the Regions: Study, 2016: Evaluation of the Market Responsibility Programme put forward by the European Milk Board taking 2014 as a test year http://cor.europa.eu/en/documentation/studies/Documents/Market%20Responsibility%20Programme%20-%20European%20Milk%20Board.PDF

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