-The question of a fair price for milk affects a large part of the population, who are sensitive to the need for producers to be properly remunerated.
-The question of milk prices affects all farmers, in one way or another, who abandon their farms, fall into depression or, worse still, commit suicide.
-I propose that Migros introduce an innovative system of stickers to be affixed to the milk cap. This sticker, available in the dairy section, would include a barcode. Only consumers who have chosen to pay their farmers a fair price for their milk will pay more for it at the checkout. This applies to all milk ranges (organic, mountain, etc.).
The extra 20 or 30 ct/liter is paid directly to the farmers.
-Come on! Migros be brave and try the system in a pilot store. I'm sure many consumers will appreciate it!
All replies (4)
Hello olmore,
Thank you for sharing your idea with us. I've passed it on to the relevant department, which will certainly look into it.
Have a nice day,
Silvia
Hello,
It's true that many customers are willing to pay an extra 10 to 20 centimes per liter of milk, as long as this amount is profitable for producers.
Without denigratingolmore's laudable and innovative idea, I'm unfortunately not convinced that a voluntary approach left to the customer's choice will produce sufficient effects, and I regret this. I'm in favor of Migros going one step further and "imposing" a higher price and therefore additional remuneration for producers.
Migros partners with the Max Havelaar organization to offer Fairtrade products.
I fully subscribe to fair trade practices. Why is Migros able to support producers in Asia, Africa and Latin America in this way, but not Swiss farmers?
Beyond the ethical approach, it can also be a marketing argument, can't it?
Hello @olmore,
Many thanks for your suggestions. We are delighted with your interest in the relationship between Migros and Swiss agriculture.
When it comes to buying dairy products, price still plays a decisive role for customers. Unfortunately, 350 million Swiss francs are spent on shopping tourism for dairy products alone every year...
We are well aware of the difficulties faced by producers in the face of the changing milk market. Through our ELSA dairy processing company, Migros already pays suppliers a price above the market average.
The best way to support Swiss producers is first and foremost to buy milk in Switzerland. You can also give them an extra income by buying organic milk, or, in some cooperatives, "Lait des prés".
What's more, we are currently setting up a new "sustainable milk" program in which producers are actively involved, and which will benefit them. We'll be releasing more information on this later this year!
We hope this answer satisfies you.
Best regards and have a nice day,
Daniel
Hello,
I have read your feedback and thank you for it.
However, I'm not entirely convinced.
There is indeed a significant part of the population for whom price is a determining factor.
On the other hand, if we look at the French fair trade milk "c'est qui le patron" (sold by Migros France), for example, we can see that this product is experiencing phenomenal growth (33 million liters sold in one year). This growth shows that a significant proportion of consumers (more affluent and/or also more concerned) are very concerned about fair remuneration for farmers.
I can understand why Migros is not taking the initiative to apply an increase to all milk. Given the fierce competition, that would be a strategic error.
On the other hand, by launching my idea in 1, 2 or 3 stores on an "experimental" basis, what is the economic risk for Migros? None, because customers are free to support producers voluntarily.
I'm sure that a large number of consumers will support the project.
For example, you could launch a survey in your newspaper and, depending on the feedback, launch the project. As a 6-month experiment, what are you risking? other than giving a positive image of the cooperative, concerned by the issues that preoccupy cooperators.
Thank you in advance for your feedback and best regards.
Olivier