Mexico Promotes Self-production of Milk Powder

The Mexican government, through SADER, has launched a strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in milk powder, aiming to reduce imports primarily from California and bolster domestic production in 15 key states. A central pillar of the plan involves reopening old dairy plants, including some privatized in the 90s, such as one in Campeche. These efforts are directed at enhancing food sovereignty and regaining control over strategic internal production.

The social program "Leche para el Bienestar" will expand its coverage to 7 million beneficiaries, purchasing fresh milk at fair prices (800,000 L/day in Jalisco, 600,000 L/day in Chihuahua), benefiting both consumers and producers. Although politically and socially supported, sector leaders warn of the challenge in competing with the USA, which produces milk powder at lower costs due to economies of scale and a grain-oriented production focus.

Tackling this reality necessitates robust measures: subsidies, infrastructure rescue, and support for farmers. The goal is to replace the 700 million pesos spent annually on imports and energize the national dairy sector.