Dairy Producers in San Lorenzo Protest Suspension

The dairy producers of San Lorenzo, located in the department of Tarija, Bolivia, have declared a state of alert following the decision by the Empresa Boliviana de Alimentos y Derivados (EBA Nacional) to temporarily suspend the purchase of milk fr om these small producers, without any specific timeline for resumption. This decision has impacted around 140 producers, as stated by Ramiro Gamual, president of the sector. The producers are now unsure of wh ere to deliver their daily milk volumes.

According to Gamual, many producers had invested in bank credits, improved livestock genetics, and acquired cows to meet their delivery agreements with EBA. Now they feel abandoned. EBA Nacional cited logistical issues such as diesel shortages, packaging delays, and outstanding payments for the school breakfast program as reasons for the suspension, affecting collection and distribution.

The economic damage caused by this suspension has led producers to threaten road blockades unless the situation is resolved, underscoring the severe impact on the local dairy supply chain.