Unprecedented crisis in the Colombian dairy sector threatens the survival of farmers.

The Colombian dairy sector is facing an unprecedented crisis that has intensified over the past two years, affecting thousands of small and medium-sized farmers in regions such as Cauca, Nariño, and Caquetá. Caterine Marentes, a producer from Cundinamarca, illustrates this difficult situation by pointing out that the price of milk has dropped from 1,900 to 800-1,000 pesos per liter in just a few months. This abrupt decline has forced many farmers to accept prices that do not even cover their production costs, creating an atmosphere of despair in the rural community. The data is alarming: milk consumption in Colombia has decreased by 21% in the last three years, and the impact of trade agreements with countries like the United States and members of the European Union has exacerbated the situation. Óscar Gutiérrez, director of Dignidad Agropecuaria, points out that the importation of 72,000 tons of milk has replaced a significant portion of local production, increasing pressure on farmers who are struggling to survive in an increasingly competitive and unfair market. Small family farms, which represent approximately 80% of the dairy sector, are the most affected. The lack of infrastructure and support for the marketing of dairy products has led many of these farms to ruin. Caterine Marentes mentions that the infrastructure for cheese production is insufficient, while the market is saturated, making it impossible to sell their surpluses. The situation worsens with the decision of large companies to opt for importing milk at more competitive prices, thanks to subsidies and reduced tariffs. Large dairy industries, such as Alpina and Colanta, play a crucial role in this crisis. Ramiro Camacho, a 75-year-old farmer, criticizes the concentration of the market and the disproportionate profit margins that benefit these companies at the expense of local producers. The price difference between what farmers receive and what consumers are charged is staggering, raising questions about fairness in the dairy sector's value chain. Moreover, government policies have left many farmers feeling abandoned. Camacho mentions the closure of collection centers in several regions, which has made it difficult to collect milk in areas where transportation costs are already high. This situation has led producers to plan protests in Bogotá in search of answers and concrete solutions to their crisis. The climate has also been a determining factor in the sector's discouragement. Andrea Ríos from ANIF highlights that climate fluctuations have increased production costs, making it even more challenging to compete with imported products. Difficulties in accessing affordable supplies have created a bleak outlook for many farmers, who see their profit margins shrinking day by day. The perception of opaque business practices has spread among producers. Caterine Marentes has documented restrictions imposed by companies that have decided to collect less milk from hard-to-reach farms, leaving many farmers without viable options. This lack of communication and consideration from large industries has generated a sense of distrust and abandonment in the sector. As the crisis worsens, the need for a comprehensive approach that includes subsidies, infrastructure support, and fairer regulations becomes imperative. Farmers demand not only a price adjustment but also a review of profit margins throughout the entire production chain to ensure fair competition. The crisis in the Colombian dairy sector is a clear reflection of a structural problem affecting the rural economy. Without an effective response from the government and the commitment of large industries to local production, the future of the thousands of farmers who depend on this activity looks bleak. The situation demands attention and concrete actions, as behind every liter of milk are stories of effort and dedication that should not be ignored.