The Milk System

Some 200 million tonnes of milk and milk powder are produced in Europe each year; this involves a 100 billion euro market. Milk is now a billion euro industry, fuelling a constant rise in milk consumption worldwide. The documentary film on “The Milk System” shows who the beneficiaries of this flourishing business are and what impact high milk consumption has on people and the environment. It shines a light on the responsibilities borne by policy-makers and consumers. The key question of alternatives to the high-tech milk industry also arises. The film allows farmers, industrialists, academics and other experts to have their say.

The well-known South Tyrolean documentary producer Andreas Pichler (“The Venice Syndrome”, “The Way of a Warrior”, “Call Me Babylon”) has picked up numerous awards for his work. THE MILK SYSTEM received the Human Rights Award at the 2017 Five Lakes Film Festival.

The documentary provides the basis for discussion with our panellists and guests. Questions which may arise include: What pressures do milk producers face, and what do they need to do to remain viable in Europe and beyond? What are the consequences of industrialised milk production and do alternatives exist? How does the European milk industry impact on the rest of the world?

Panellists:

• Martin Häusling, Member of the European Parliament
• Andreas Pichler, Director of the film „The Milk System“
• Sieta van Keipema, European Milk Board
• Dr Simon Schlüter, German farmer's Association
• Nina Holland, Corporate Europe Observatory

Moderation:

Monika Högen, Communication for Development

When: Thursday, 9 November 2017, 6pm

Where: Representation of the State of Hessen to the European Union, Rue Montoyer 21, 1000 Brussels