Mexican Dairy Farmers Face Decline Amid Surge of Milk Substitutes

The dairy market in northern Mexico, particularly in Sinaloa, is experiencing a severe disruption as the demand for pure cow's milk has decreased by up to 50% in recent months. According to Tirso Robles Camargo, president of the Local Livestock Association in Ahome, this decline is attributed to the influx of milk powder substitutes that are being increasingly used by local cheese producers.

Producers have raised concerns that these imported powders are being mixed with genuine cow's milk, effectively reducing the need for fresh local milk. This practice not only affects the volume of local milk production but also deceives consumers by offering dairy products that lack authentic nutritional value.

In response, leaders from various livestock associations in northern Sinaloa convened an urgent meeting with a federal legislator, urging intervention from the Union Congress. They submitted a formal request for stringent regulatory guidelines to curb the unregulated entry of these industrial powders into the market.

Robles Camargo emphasized the necessity of restructuring the agro-industrial market to restore the historical profitability of livestock farming and support rural communities. He advocated for a fair pricing scheme that reflects the true value of milk, free from adulterations, to encourage investment in infrastructure and efficiency.

Despite numerous notifications to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and the Ministry of Economy, no protective measures such as sanctions or tariffs have been implemented. This inaction leaves the dairy sector in Sinaloa in a precarious position. Strengthening border controls against synthetic substitutes and enhancing sanitary inspections at processing plants are viewed as essential steps to prevent further economic decline.