Leadership Shift at Conseleite-MG Amidst Import Challenges
Isabela Pérez has assumed the presidency of Conseleite-MG with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by the importation of milk powder and cheeses, primarily from Argentina and Uruguay. These imports have been identified as significant factors affecting the valuation of Brazilian and Minas Gerais milk products, as well as their market share.
The dairy sector in the region is under pressure not only from external imports but also from rising internal costs. These costs include higher prices for feed, animal supplements, logistics, and taxes. According to recent agricultural censuses, these pressures have led to a 32% reduction in the number of dairy farmers over a little more than a decade, with nearly 29,000 producers in Minas Gerais exiting the industry during this period.
In response to these challenges, Pérez's leadership is prioritizing sectoral dialogue to enhance product valuation and producer security, as well as the refinement of a reference tool used by the council to measure industry payment capacity. Pérez aims to ensure this metric aligns more closely with the state's diverse production landscape.
Another area of focus for Pérez is increasing retail involvement in the dairy supply chain discussions, asserting that the engagement of all stakeholders, from production to supermarkets, is crucial for sector balance.
The role of cooperatives is emphasized as pivotal in navigating these challenges. These entities provide a strategic advantage by combining the perspectives of rural producers with business logic, thus balancing interests within the supply chain. Cooperatives are active in milk collection and processing, technical assistance, credit access, productivity enhancement, and adding value to dairy products.
Economically, the dairy sector's significance is underscored by its presence in 98% of Brazilian municipalities, generating approximately 4 million jobs and involving a substantial contribution from family farming. In Minas Gerais, 216,000 rural properties are dedicated to dairy activities, with cooperatives processing one in every five liters produced in the state.
To further bolster the sector, the Ocemg System, alongside the Central Cooperative of Rural Producers of Minas Gerais (CCPR) and other institutions, is developing a strategic plan. This plan aims to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and professionalism of the Minas Gerais dairy chain, while opening new markets and promoting national production.
