Cantabria Loses 400 Dairy Farms in Six Years
The dairy industry in Cantabria faces a critical moment, marked by the alarming loss of 400 dairy farms over the past six years. This substantial reduction poses a significant impact on the rural economy of the region, driven by structural and situational factors pushing the dairy sector into a state of "free fall." The disappearance of these dairy farms affects not only milk production but also the community's social and cultural fabric.
One primary reason behind this decline is sustained low profitability. Dairy producers in Cantabria, similar to those in other parts of Spain, have faced milk prices that fail to cover production costs, further exacerbated by rising input costs for energy, feed, and veterinary medicines. This disparity between income and expenses renders the continuation of many family-run farms unviable, forcing farmers to abandon their activity.
Generational shifting, or the lack thereof, is another crucial issue. The reluctance of younger generations to take over dairy farms, driven by harsh working conditions, economic uncertainty, and low profitability, leads to closures of farms for lack of family continuity. This phenomenon accelerates rural population aging and loss of accumulated experience.
Moreover, excessive bureaucracy and complex regulations pose significant barriers. Producers contend with increasing administrative burdens and regulations that, although aiming to ensure quality and sustainability, often prove challenging for small and medium-sized farms with limited resources. This situation results in frustration and, in many cases, the decision not to continue farming.
The situation in Cantabria urgently calls for action from authorities and the dairy industry as a whole. It is crucial to implement support policies that ensure producers' profitability, facilitate generational changes, and simplify administrative procedures. Without these, the region risks losing a significant portion of its farming heritage and milk production capacity, with severe repercussions for its development.
