In a significant development, a bill currently under review on the government’s consultation portal proposes to eliminate a longstanding provision that permits mergers in the dairy industry. This proposal has sparked concern among farmers, many of whom prefer the stability of the current arrangement.
Herdís Magna Gunnarsdóttir, vice-chairman of the Farmers’ Association, expressed these sentiments in an interview with National Radio back in October, likening the situation to being handed a potato. “The agreement in milk production is incredibly beneficial, and there has been no real push from farmers to seek change,” she stated.
In a show of solidarity, Baldur Helgi Benjamínsson, a dedicated dairy farmer, has taken the initiative to gather signatures opposing the bill. Thus far, he has amassed an impressive 489 names, which he plans to submit to Minister Hanna Katrína Friðriksson this Friday. In a heartfelt plea to the minister, the petition asserts, “This bill undermines the working environment that cow farmers have relied upon for nearly 20 years, shaping their production plans and investment choices. The current system has led to optimal milk production, resulting in savings amounting to billions of ISK each year, benefitting consumers through lower prices while increasing earnings for farmers.”
The petition further highlights that the existing framework has leveled the playing field for farmers across the country, ensuring equitable market access regardless of location. “By moving forward with this bill, the Minister of Employment risks dismantling this success, creating uncertainty and upheaval within the industry. We urge the minister to reconsider and withdraw this proposal.”
Among the signatories, 295 operate farms, representing approximately 65 percent of dairy farms in Iceland, according to Baldur Helgi, who estimates the total number of farms stands at 451. He mentioned that some signatures on the list belong to individuals who are not dairy farmers, indicating broader community support for the cause.
