Peruvian Dairy Farmers Demand Government Support Amidst Industry Struggles

In Peru, dairy farmers are voicing their frustrations over the current state of the industry, citing insufficient government support and low profitability as critical issues. The situation has become particularly dire in Arequipa, a major dairy region, where representatives claim that the price paid for fresh milk is inadequate to cover production costs.

Victor Chirinos, a representative of the dairy farmers in Arequipa, noted that many farmers have been forced to sell their cows due to the unprofitability of producing fresh milk. He explained that the rising costs of production coupled with stagnant prices have made dairy farming an unattractive venture.

Farmers argue that the government is failing to prioritize national production over products made from recombined or reconstituted milk. They emphasize the need for greater consumer awareness regarding the differences between fresh milk and products derived from milk powder.

Currently, the price of fresh milk is approximately 1.63 soles per liter, a figure that farmers deem insufficient to sustain their operations. While production costs continue to rise and intermediaries adjust their prices according to market conditions, the compensation received by farmers for their raw milk remains largely unchanged.

Looking forward, the dairy sector is calling on the incoming government administration to open a dialogue with producers to develop policies aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the Peruvian dairy industry. The farmers stress the importance of strengthening the national fresh milk production, improving commercial conditions, and ensuring regulations that sustain dairy farming in the country's primary milk-producing regions.