Glyphosate ban remains in place

Due to the many reactions from consumers, farmers and the media to the suspension of the ban on the use of glyphosate at GOLDSTEIG, we would like to use this letter to once again explain the reasons for this step and at the same time respond to suggestions and criticism.

We have by no means taken this step lightly. The production conditions for our milk suppliers are very different. For some, a glyphosate ban is not an issue at all, but for many others it is a permanent and noticeable restriction. As GOLDSTEIG, we have to take all suppliers into account, regardless of whether they are co-operatives, contract suppliers or those who only buy in milk. Milk volumes are currently more than scarce - this has been the case for a year now, not just yesterday, and is likely to remain so in the medium term.

It will therefore continue to be important in the future to keep an eye on the necessary milk volumes and secure them in the long term. However, this often depends not only on the milk price, but also on the other framework conditions. This is where crop cultivation and the current and future supply situation - especially in light of the events surrounding the Ukraine crisis - come into play. As a not inconsiderable number of milk suppliers are also active in these areas, the ban has had a restrictive effect there, especially since the considerable price increases last year.

In order to provide relief for this part of our suppliers, we decided around three weeks ago to take the step that has now been clearly criticised by many sides.

We naturally take this criticism seriously and also take it as an opportunity to question our decision to suspend the glyphosate ban once again. At the same time, we recognise that we misjudged the attitude of consumers and also that of some milk producers who do not farm or farm very little.

GOLDSTEIGhas therefore decided to respond to the widely expressed wishes of consumers, criticism from conservationists and also from parts of the agricultural sector.

The following therefore applies with immediate effect:
The glyphosate ban will remain in place in its current form.

In doing so, we are responding to consumer wishes in the short term.
However, securing milk volumes in the long term remains a cornerstone of our dairy business, as does consumer orientation.

We very much hope that we have demonstrated the flexibility of our company in the long term with the rapid withdrawal of this measure.
We have always endeavoured to fulfil consumer wishes and social requirements in the best possible way.
This is one of the reasons why we were one of only very few dairies to introduce the glyphosate ban four years ago, unlike almost all others, without financial compensation from the trade.
With the above decision, GOLDSTEIG remains in the very narrow circle of dairies where milk producers have completely renounced the use of glyphosate.

We ask all consumers* and also our milk producers* to recognise the willingness to change our measures that we have now shown, even in the short term, and to continue to place their trust in us.

GOLDSTEIGKäsereien Bayerwald GmbH

- Posted on 20/04/2022 -