The Collapse of Sheep and Goat Milk Production in Spain
Source: dairynews.today
The Spanish sheep and goat milk sector is facing a crisis as production costs exceed sale prices, leading to widespread farm closures.
The Union of Unions of Farmers and Ranchers in Spain has raised alarms following the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA), highlighting a continued decline in sheep and goat milk deliveries as of March 2025. This persistent decrease threatens the viability of a sector that is essential to the rural economy in many Spanish regions. In March 2025, sheep milk production dropped by 9% compared to the previous year, with a cumulative 6% decrease over the first quarter. Similarly, goat milk production fell by almost 8% in March and 7% during the first quarter. The sector faces structural issues, with average production figures falling significantly below previous years, signifying a chronic lack of profitability.
Milk prices remain drastically low: €0.969 per liter for goat milk and €1.291 per liter for sheep milk, yet production costs are between €1.40 and €1.50 per liter, leaving farms struggling financially. Since March 2025, 357 goat and 320 sheep farms have closed, resulting in a count of just 3,673 active goat farms and 2,562 sheep farms. Authorities and industry stakeholders are urged to engage in real price negotiations and to convene the Sheep and Goat Milk Sectorial Board to devise a coordinated action plan. Proposed measures include mandatory price negotiations linked to real production costs, reinforcement of the Food Chain Observatory, and provision of specific aid to at-risk farms.
Milk prices remain drastically low: €0.969 per liter for goat milk and €1.291 per liter for sheep milk, yet production costs are between €1.40 and €1.50 per liter, leaving farms struggling financially. Since March 2025, 357 goat and 320 sheep farms have closed, resulting in a count of just 3,673 active goat farms and 2,562 sheep farms. Authorities and industry stakeholders are urged to engage in real price negotiations and to convene the Sheep and Goat Milk Sectorial Board to devise a coordinated action plan. Proposed measures include mandatory price negotiations linked to real production costs, reinforcement of the Food Chain Observatory, and provision of specific aid to at-risk farms.
