Conseleite asks Mapa to ease 48-hour milk-collection rule
Conseleite/RS discussed the collection rule at a meeting on Tuesday, September 29, alongside a decline in the milk reference price and pressure on the dairy chain’s operating costs. The council decided to seek an exceptional, temporary measure from Mapa, similar to one adopted in 2024.
The September reference value was projected at R$2.3910 a litre, based on data from the first 20 days of the month. That was 0.90% below the August estimate of R$2.4128. The final August figure was R$2.4189, down 1.39% from R$2.4529 in July.
The indicators are prepared by the University of Passo Fundo using dairy-industry sales data. The figures now officially incorporate parameters updated in 2025 by the Technical Chamber, known as Camatec. Kaliton Prestes, the council’s co-ordinator, also cited increased milk supply on farms, high imports and indications that processed-dairy prices were weakening.
Recent storms were discussed in relation to damage to crops and infrastructure, restricted access to farms and difficulties moving milk. The availability and price of diesel were also identified at the meeting as factors affecting costs for the sector. The council’s discussion covered both producers and processors.
Under the current 48-hour requirement, companies that collect milk after the deadline can be fined. Firms have been collecting beyond that period in cases where weather-related disruption threatens losses at farms. The rule therefore leaves operators choosing between attempting collection despite compromised access and risking a penalty, or observing the deadline while milk remains on the farm.
Sindilat, the dairy-industry association, has already been discussing the issue with Mapa. Conseleite is expected to submit its request for an exceptional adjustment. The council’s meeting treated the collection deadline, transport conditions and fuel costs as additional factors alongside the per-litre reference price.
