Agrowill Group not to join farmers’ strike

Agrowill Group, the largest agricultural company in the Baltic states, says it supports some farmers’ demands, but will not participate in a farmers’ strike on 31 March. Agrowill Group maintains the position that there must be a constructive dialogue with the country’s authorities and real solutions, while a strike is a last resort which will not necessarily bring about specific changes.  

Agrowill Group, currently the largest agricultural company in the Baltic states, controls some 36,000 hectares of farmland and some 6,000 dairy cows. Agrowill Group and its subsidiaries employ over 800 qualified staff.  In 2008, it earned an income of LTL 72.7 million.  

“Milk purchase prices have dropped significantly in Lithuania. They are some 30% lower than the EU average. This is a result of the state’s inaction. Unlike in the old member states of the EU, the dairy market in Lithuania is completely unprotected.  As the largest agricultural company, our company is strongly affected by low prices. In 2008, it suffered a loss of some LTL 7 million. Such a purchase price policy will have an even stronger impact on small farmers. In our opinion, the responsible state leaders should be encouraged to take immediate steps to improve the situation.   However, strikes, which cause even more fuss and misunderstanding, will only distance specific decisions,” Mindaugas Juozaitis, General Manager of Agrowill Group, believes.  

The head of Agrowill Group operating 15 agricultural companies said he supported some farmers’ demands and was of the opinion that the Ministry of Agriculture made a lot of ambiguous and illogical reports and decisions. The company led by him is not satisfied with milk prices 30% lower than the EU average, but Agrowill Group’s position is socially-orientated – the company will try to solve problems in a rational manner rather than by strikes. In the opinion of the General Manager of Agrowill Group, a rational approach to the current situation, not the last resort and ultimatums, can help to find appropriate solutions.  

Fifteen agricultural companies controlled by Agrowill Group will not join the strike and will try to present their demands regarding improvement of the agricultural and farmers’ situation to the government at the negotiating table.

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