Summary of newsmakers of the previous day – 28.11. 2006

Czech people threats with veto due to beer

The Czech Republic denies compromise in case of increase in minimal consumption tax on beer. The Minister of Finances Vlastimil Tlustý, who has left for a meeting of ministers of the EU member states, is prepared to veto the proposal. An ally of the Czech Republic is according to diplomatic resources Latvia. Czechs fight against proposal for increase in minimal consumption tax on beer already for several months. The European Commission suggested originally increase by 31 percent, however, Finns after a wave of disagreement suggested increase only by 4,5 percent which would not concern the CR at all.

Milk Forum discussed about future of production, processing and sale of milk in CR

Almost 360 participants of Milk Forum for a number of milk producers and processors looked for a common solution of the future way and direction in production, processing and sale of milk at a common meeting in V˙trný Jeníkov in Jihlava region on the 16th of November. According to the president of Agrarian Chamber CR Jan Veleba, the Forum’s effort was to convince milk producers to enter sales organizations in as largest number as possible. In his opinion it is the only possibility to strengthen position of milk producers on a market. Among other aims of the Forum he ranged a position of milk processors towards trade chains because the current situation is bearable no longer. Jan Veleba pointed out that both sides (milk producers and processors) negotiated together for the first time in obliging way without attacks. “We did the first mutual step”, he summed up.

Agra insurance company wants to get 10 % of farmer insurance market

Agra insurance company, Czech branch of Österreichische Hagelversicherung, wants to get roughly a tenth of farmer insurance market till the end of next year. It is specialized just on insurance of farmers and recently it has come to Czech market. It offers insurance of crops. Representatives of the branch and the mother Hagelversichterung at today’s meeting with journalists reported that Agra’s aim for next year is to insure about 50 000 hectares. According to analyses about one third of agricultural enterprises and the same share of land is insured in the Czech Republic.

Meat processors’ costs grow

Czech Meat Processors Association battles with many problems which in consequence lead or will lead to increase in cost of production of meat products. It was stated during the September breakfast of the Food Chamber CR (PK) with journalists by a chairman of the Association Jaromír Kloud stated it. According his data it is dealt for example with increase of payments for veterinary examination of slaughter animals with effect from 1.1.2007. “They increase quite substantially, especially in beef meat where the payment accrual from 83 crowns to 141 crowns for examination of one piece of adult cattle. Fortunately, in cooperation with the Food Chamber CR efforts for some above-standard measure over the frame which the European Commission obliges were removed successfully”, Kloud reported.