Bolivian Dairy Farmers Demand End to Prolonged Road Blockades
In Bolivia, the dairy industry is facing significant challenges due to prolonged road blockades that have persisted for nearly 50 days. Farmers in Cochabamba recently staged a protest at Jorge Wilstermann International Airport, demanding that the government take immediate action to restore free passage on the country's main roads. The demonstrators carried signs with messages such as 'No queremos bloqueos, queremos trabajar' (We don't want blockades, we want to work) and warned of further actions that could disrupt airport operations if their demands are not met.
The blockades have prevented the transportation of milk and essential supplies, resulting in increasing economic losses for farmers and threatening the viability of numerous family-run operations. The situation is exacerbated by a shortage of livestock feed and the death of animals due to disrupted supply lines. According to the Bolivian Road Administration (ABC), around 50 blockade points remain active, predominantly in the departments of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Oruro, affecting not only food transport but also the delivery of fuel, medicines, and other vital products.
Dairy sector representatives claim that they have been operating at a loss for weeks and have called for urgent government intervention to ensure road accessibility. During the protest, they even suggested declaring a state of siege to secure passage on key routes. Meanwhile, government officials are engaged in talks with leaders from the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) to find a resolution to the conflict. The Ministry of Public Works indicated that a proposed solution is on the table for negotiation, but no concrete agreements have been announced yet.
The ongoing crisis represents one of the most severe challenges for the Bolivian dairy industry in recent years. The inability to transport raw milk, balanced feed, and other critical inputs has severely impacted the supply chain. The extended conflict poses a growing risk of additional economic damages for both producers and the national dairy industry.
