Dairy Farmers in Cochabamba Resort to Direct Sales Amid Price Protests

In Bolivia, dairy farmers in Cochabamba have announced a direct-to-consumer sales protest in response to unsustainably low prices for their milk. Dissatisfied with the government's inaction regarding price increases, local farmers will set up sales points this Thursday at several locations, including Cochabamba and Quillacollo.

According to Sergio Soto, a representative of the farmer's group, the direct sale is intended to bypass intermediary inefficiencies and better support the farmers' livelihood. The milk will be priced at Bs 6 per liter, which contrasts with the current regional rates that farmers receive: Bs 3.50 in Santa Cruz, Bs 3.55 in Cochabamba, and Bs 3.60 in La Paz.

The Bolivian government's offer to increase the official purchase price to Bs 4 falls short of farmer demands. Farmers argue the current proposal does not adequately reflect production costs. Stressing the urgency, they highlight the imminent expiry of supportive legislation, potentially leading to unregulated market prices. From April 25, without legal intervention, farmers anticipate setting prices at Bs 6 per liter, which aligns more closely with their cost calculations.