Germany’s milk exports up

Encouraged by the 2007 dairy export figures which indicate milk and milk products earned €7 billion last year – an increase of 27% – Germany’s Ministry of Agriculture (BMELV) recognises the dairy sector as a critical player in Germany’s world trade.

More support will almost certainly come from the exchequer and the BMELV has notified that it wants a summit meeting soon of all major organisations in the dairy sector to sort out what is needed in terms of aid and encouragement.

Even more encouraging: first quarter figures for 2008 show another 27% rise in exports with total earnings up to end of March already topping €1.8 billion.

Cheese exports last year earned more than €2.7 billion with returns for the first quarter 2008 for this commodity at €750 m.

Total exports of dairy products from Germany in 2007 represented 44% of domestic milk production. A further 40% was processed for inland retail outlets with the rest going into further processing and industry. Germany’s imports of milk and milk products topped 10 m tonnes, around 35% of domestic production in 2007.