Austrian Milk: Farmers Warn Against Imports & Price Dumping | LKÖ

A quiet shift is underway in Austrian retail, with a major grocery chain reportedly replacing domestically produced long-life milk with cheaper imports, a move that’s sparking concern about the future of the country’s agricultural sector. The move, characterized as a “silent substitution,” is occurring alongside a broader debate over food prices and is raising questions about the commitment to supporting local producers.

Josef Moosbrugger, President of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture (LKÖ), sharply criticized the practice, stating, “The quiet replacement of domestic long-life milk with imported products and their offering at dumping prices is a direct consequence of the damaging food price debate and a completely wrong signal to all parties involved. This torpedoes the Austrian quality path and abandons it – at the expense of animals, the environment, farmers, supply security and thus, all of Austria.”

Moosbrugger warned that the trend could trigger a wider “retail chain reaction,” potentially impacting other agricultural products. He emphasized the increasing demands placed on Austrian farmers regarding animal welfare, environmental protection, and documentation, arguing that they should not be penalized by being undercut by cheaper imports. “It cannot be that Austrian farmers are constantly told to meet ever-higher standards regarding animal welfare, environmental protection and documentation, only to be left to bear the costs or even be replaced by imports,” he said.

The LKÖ President also highlighted the broader economic implications of a decline in domestic milk production. “If there is less milk in Austria, jobs will also be lost in the upstream and downstream sectors. Regional value chains are larger and more valuable than many realize, and should also be worth something to consumers and retailers,” he cautioned.

Austrian milk producers, according to Moosbrugger, are already working to meet consumer demands and retailer specifications, delivering a quality that is internationally recognized. He urged retailers and consumers to support this commitment, stating, “Now it is up to retailers and consumers to stand up for what they have always demanded. The common quality path should not be abandoned for a few cents per liter.”

Moosbrugger concluded by expressing gratitude to partners throughout the supply chain who remain committed to Austrian farmers and fair pricing. “Especially in economically challenging times, it is more important than ever to stick together and not just show patriotism in football,” he said. The situation underscores the growing tension between cost pressures and the desire to support local agriculture in a competitive global market.