Farmers shall keep, for at least six consecutive months starting on the date on which the application referred to in Article 118 is submitted, a number of dairy cows at least equal to the number of dairy cows for which the extensification payment has been applied for.

2. If it proves difficult to determine the quantities of milk used for processing on the basis of the products marketed, the Member States may fix the quantities of milk equivalent on a flat-rate basis by reference to the number of dairy cows held by the producer and an average milk yield per cow representative of the herd.

(1e) Under the reforms agreed in Agenda 2000, milk production is set to increase by 2.9% by 2008 compared with 2000 because of an increase in quota, producer prices are likely to fall by 12.3% with only partial compensation, and the number of dairy cows will decline with corresponding positive effects on the beef market; as a result, the sector's overall income is likely to fall by EUR 2.8 billion.

Under the reforms agreed in Agenda 2000, milk production is set to increase by 2.9% by 2008 compared with 2000 because of an increase in quota, producer prices are likely to fall by 12.3% with only partial compensation, and the number of dairy cows will decline with corresponding positive effects on the beef market; as a result, the sector's overall income is likely to fall by €2.8 billion.

(19) Milk production and cattle farming are the mainstay of the agricultural economy of the Azores, and support for the sector should take account of the crucial importance of these activities in both social and economic terms, especially for small farmers. To ensure the survival of traditional activity in this sector, the suckler cow premium and the aid for dairy cows should continue to be supplemented, within the limit of the available local quota. A supplement to the slaughter premium should be introduced and aid granted for the disposal of surplus male bovines for which no normal outlets can be found in the islands and which must be ...[+++]shipped to the rest of the Community at considerable additional cost, given the particular geographical situation of the region. To ensure that Community support can be mobilised effectively, a comprehensive programme to support local activities in the livestock and milk products sectors should enable the sectors concerned to define and implement strategies tailored to the local context for economic development, spatial organisation of production and increasing the professionalism of producers.

When we talk of agricultural reform – and we shall do so in good time, I can assure you, you will be hearing from us – then we must include, for example, the question of silage corn, the question of milk quotas, the question of what to do about dairy cattle versus beef cattle.