The EU Council of Ministers today (20 November) authorised an increase in dairy quotas, just one day after the European Parliament proposed the move.

The controversial milk quotas will be increased annually by 1% between 2009/10 and 2013/14. For Italy, a 5% increase will come immediately in 2009/10.

Additionally, in 2009 to 2011, producers exceeding milk quotas by 6% most pay extra levies 50% above normal penalties.