ASAJA Says Manchego Sheep Milk Output Will Fall 25% in Two Years
ASAJA Castilla-La Mancha has described the situation facing Manchego sheep farms as one of the sector’s most serious crises. It says many holdings are losing profitability as production costs rise while the prices received by farmers remain low.
The organisation estimates that output of Manchego sheep milk in 2026 will stand 25% below the level recorded two years earlier. Production in that earlier period amounted to 98m litres. The milk remains a required raw material for Queso Manchego, which is covered by the region’s protected designation of origin.
A dispute over the value of the milk
ASAJA objects to Manchega sheep milk being priced at levels similar to milk from other breeds. It says contracts should take account of the breed’s production characteristics and the milk’s use in products protected by the designation.
According to the organisation, a Manchega sheep produces about 1.5 litres of milk a day, compared with between 3 and 4 litres for some other breeds. Producers say this difference should be reflected in the price of the raw material and are seeking payments that cover their costs. The industry, according to the source, cites lost markets and weaker consumption.
Producers seek cost monitoring
ASAJA’s main requests include establishing a Cost Observatory to provide updated information during contract negotiations. The organisation says reliable cost data is needed to support compliance with Spain’s Food Chain Law and is calling for stronger oversight of commercial operations.
ASAJA has also reported that some producers suspect potentially irregular or abusive practices by industrial operators. These are allegations and suspicions raised by the producer sector; the source does not present them as established irregularities.
Structural pressures on the sector
The price dispute coincides with longer-term difficulties, including an ageing producer base, limited generational replacement and a shortage of qualified labour. ASAJA says the continuation of sheep farms is important for maintaining Manchego sheep-milk production and the future of the protected designation.
The measures proposed by the organisation include increasing domestic consumption, recovering international markets, strengthening promotion of Queso Manchego and distinguishing it from products intended to imitate it.
