Menorca Boosts Dairy Sector Amidst Decline in Mallorca
Source: dairynews.today
While Menorca sees a 4% increase in milk production, Mallorca faces a 10% decline, reducing its dairy farms to just 11. Since 2003, over two-thirds of dairy farms in the Balearic Islands have disappeared.
The dairy sector is experiencing contrasting trends in the Balearic Islands. Menorca's milk production increased by 4.10% to 47,376,568 liters in 2024, whereas Mallorca saw a 10% decrease, according to recent reports.
Currently, there are 127 dairy farms in the Balearics, with 114 on Menorca, 11 on Mallorca, and 2 on Ibiza. This reflects a significant decline from 2003 when the region had 299 farms.
Reports from the Conselleria de Agricultura highlight a decline in the cattle census by 11%, mainly on Mallorca, and emphasize the persistent cost issues. Each cow incurs extra costs of 1,133 euros annually due to insularity, with an extra cost per liter of 0.125 euros.
Joan Simonet, the Agriculture Minister, pointed to increased efficiency as Menorca's production rises despite fewer cows.
In Menorca, 42.64% of production is directly sold, with 53 farmers participating in this activity. The balance between milk production and cheese output remains a focus, especially as Menorca’s cheese industry, specifically DOP Mahón-Menorca, saw a growth of 8% in 2024.
Nonetheless, the average price of milk in the Balearics stayed below the national average at 0.466 euros per liter, compared to the national 0.499 euros. The disparity remains notable across the islands, with Menorca's average price at 0.458 euros per liter and Mallorca's at 0.522 euros.
Additionally, the Fira del Camp de Alaior’s recent event underscored local agricultural efforts, highlighting ongoing support through initiatives like the Provilac plan for modernization and market viability.
The event also recognized the region's top dairy cows, cementing the importance of local partnerships in sustaining Menorca's dairy sector.
Currently, there are 127 dairy farms in the Balearics, with 114 on Menorca, 11 on Mallorca, and 2 on Ibiza. This reflects a significant decline from 2003 when the region had 299 farms.
Reports from the Conselleria de Agricultura highlight a decline in the cattle census by 11%, mainly on Mallorca, and emphasize the persistent cost issues. Each cow incurs extra costs of 1,133 euros annually due to insularity, with an extra cost per liter of 0.125 euros.
Joan Simonet, the Agriculture Minister, pointed to increased efficiency as Menorca's production rises despite fewer cows.
In Menorca, 42.64% of production is directly sold, with 53 farmers participating in this activity. The balance between milk production and cheese output remains a focus, especially as Menorca’s cheese industry, specifically DOP Mahón-Menorca, saw a growth of 8% in 2024.
Nonetheless, the average price of milk in the Balearics stayed below the national average at 0.466 euros per liter, compared to the national 0.499 euros. The disparity remains notable across the islands, with Menorca's average price at 0.458 euros per liter and Mallorca's at 0.522 euros.
Additionally, the Fira del Camp de Alaior’s recent event underscored local agricultural efforts, highlighting ongoing support through initiatives like the Provilac plan for modernization and market viability.
The event also recognized the region's top dairy cows, cementing the importance of local partnerships in sustaining Menorca's dairy sector.
