Dairy Farmers in Veracruz Protest Over Low Milk Prices and Rejections
In Xalapa, the capital of the state of Veracruz, a group of dairy farmers took to the streets to protest against the economic challenges they are facing. The demonstrators, originating from various municipalities, blocked traffic in front of the Government Palace. As part of their protest, they spilled hundreds of liters of milk onto the streets and transported cows in trailers to highlight their grievances.
The primary concern raised by the farmers is the low prices they receive for their milk and the operational hurdles at Liconsa's institutional collection centers. They allege that these centers systematically reject significant volumes of milk, claiming that it does not meet quality standards, which forces farmers to sell their products at a loss in informal markets.
Veterinarians, zoo-technicians, and technical advisors associated with the dairy production units in Veracruz have emphasized the need to review current industrial operation rules. The rejection of raw milk by official channels severely impacts the profit margins necessary for covering high feeding and maintenance costs in dairy farms.
Representatives of the primary sector have pointed out that mounting debts and the rising cost of feed ingredients are pushing many family-owned dairies to the brink of bankruptcy. The frustration is compounded by the observation that consumer prices in supermarkets continue to rise, while farmers receive payments that do not even cover basic milking costs.
Despite previous dialogue sessions with local officials, concrete solutions have yet to materialize. The blockage in Xalapa's main arteries caused significant traffic disruption and drew attention from national agricultural market analysts. Livestock organizations have warned that without an agreement ensuring fair reception quotas and adequate payments per liter, protests might spread to other strategic regions in the state.
The future of the dairy sector in Veracruz depends heavily on political will to support and sustain the economic stability of its producers.
