Mexican Dairy Producers Urge Government to Boost National Milk Production and Consumption
Source: dairynews.today
Mexican dairy producers are calling on the federal government to encourage national milk production and consumption to address their reliance on imports and reduce the current deficit.
Mexican dairy producers have issued a plea to the federal government to bolster national milk production and consumption, citing a heavy reliance on imports as a significant challenge.
Currently, Mexico is one of the leading importers of dairy products, particularly powdered milk and cheeses, primarily sourced from the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and South America. This dependency on foreign dairy products is increasingly viewed as a critical issue that needs immediate attention.
Ignacio Cervantes Gutiérrez, director of Rancho Fuentezuelas, highlighted the need for appropriate incentives to enhance domestic dairy production. Such initiatives could play a pivotal role in achieving the desired food sovereignty, he elaborated. "We are one of the countries most open to dairy imports. It would be ideal for the Ministry of Economy to regulate the entry of these products more stringently to allow our producers to experience growth beyond our current state and, above all, to create more and better-paying jobs," he stated.
Sergio Soltero put forward suggestions to curb import dependency, like converting surplus milk into powdered milk or cheese for use in social programs. He stressed redefining milk in health legislation as a 'food' with nutritional benefits rather than just a 'beverage.'
In 2023, Mexico imported 370,561 tons of powdered milk, a 2.4% increase from the previous year, valued at $1.158 billion. In contrast, domestic production fell by 1.3% to 237,930 tons of powdered milk. Meanwhile, the country's per capita milk consumption remains between 115 and 120 liters annually, falling short of the 190 liters recommended by the FAO.
Strategies for boosting national production include reducing import quotas, providing support for small producers, and enhancing infrastructure, with entities like Liconsa (soon to be renamed Leche del Bienestar) distributing 1.1 billion liters of milk annually to underserved communities. Rancho Fuentezuelas in Querétaro showcases a model operation, milking around 1,300 cows thrice daily.
Cervantes noted the challenge of competition without regulation: "We compete at a disadvantage without regulations." Prices paid to producers range from 5 to 12 pesos per liter, while consumers pay up to 27 pesos per liter. Producers are advocating for governmental trust and backing to unlock their potential significantly.
Currently, Mexico is one of the leading importers of dairy products, particularly powdered milk and cheeses, primarily sourced from the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and South America. This dependency on foreign dairy products is increasingly viewed as a critical issue that needs immediate attention.
Ignacio Cervantes Gutiérrez, director of Rancho Fuentezuelas, highlighted the need for appropriate incentives to enhance domestic dairy production. Such initiatives could play a pivotal role in achieving the desired food sovereignty, he elaborated. "We are one of the countries most open to dairy imports. It would be ideal for the Ministry of Economy to regulate the entry of these products more stringently to allow our producers to experience growth beyond our current state and, above all, to create more and better-paying jobs," he stated.
Sergio Soltero put forward suggestions to curb import dependency, like converting surplus milk into powdered milk or cheese for use in social programs. He stressed redefining milk in health legislation as a 'food' with nutritional benefits rather than just a 'beverage.'
In 2023, Mexico imported 370,561 tons of powdered milk, a 2.4% increase from the previous year, valued at $1.158 billion. In contrast, domestic production fell by 1.3% to 237,930 tons of powdered milk. Meanwhile, the country's per capita milk consumption remains between 115 and 120 liters annually, falling short of the 190 liters recommended by the FAO.
Strategies for boosting national production include reducing import quotas, providing support for small producers, and enhancing infrastructure, with entities like Liconsa (soon to be renamed Leche del Bienestar) distributing 1.1 billion liters of milk annually to underserved communities. Rancho Fuentezuelas in Querétaro showcases a model operation, milking around 1,300 cows thrice daily.
Cervantes noted the challenge of competition without regulation: "We compete at a disadvantage without regulations." Prices paid to producers range from 5 to 12 pesos per liter, while consumers pay up to 27 pesos per liter. Producers are advocating for governmental trust and backing to unlock their potential significantly.
