Pecuária de Leite: FALTA MÃO DE OBRA E SOBRA IMPOSTO. Debate franco com produtores.

The Brazilian dairy sector is at a crucial moment. Between fluctuating prices paid for milk collection, competition with imported powdered milk, and daily challenges on the farm, rural producers need to find a balance to keep their activity profitable. To discuss this scenario and celebrate a trajectory of more than six decades of support for farmers, the Agro A+ Podcast with Francys de Oliveira hosted Valdir Rodrigues and Lionel Oliveira, president and vice-president of Coopervap (Cooperativa Agropecuária do Vale do Paracatu). Despite a gradual recovery in prices paid to producers since February, the scenario still requires great caution and a realistic approach. The recent instability in the spot market reflects a slowdown in domestic milk collection — a direct consequence of the discouragement suffered by livestock farmers in recent years. According to the Coopervap board, the high cost of inputs, extremely high interest rates, and market uncertainties have led many livestock farmers to avoid investing in their herds and intensive nutrition, resulting in a 15% to 20% drop in milk collection in the Northwest region of Minas Gerais, even without the direct loss of cooperative members. One of the most worrying points highlighted in the discussion was the scarcity of qualified labor and the lack of family succession on the farms. Producers are closing down their operations because they cannot find cowboys and relief workers to carry out daily management and comply with labor laws, in addition to the exodus of young people to urban centers. Automation and robotics are emerging as global trends, but still have very high costs for the reality of most milk producers. A major bottleneck faced by the sector is the high interest rates on financing and debt renegotiation, which exceed 20% per year, hindering the investment capacity of rural producers. Furthermore, the massive influx of imported powdered milk—often rehydrated and nearing its expiration date—is putting pressure on the national market. State governments (such as Minas Gerais and Goiás) and the federal government have been coordinating sanitary and fiscal measures to prohibit the rehydration of this imported milk, aiming to protect the Brazilian production chain and guarantee food safety for consumers. Despite the adversities, this is a time for celebration: Coopervap is celebrating 63 years since its founding. What began with a group of visionaries focused on butter production has now consolidated itself as a giant of regional cooperativism, registering revenues of over R$ 814 million in 2025 and projecting to reach R$ 900 million soon. Recent highlights include the award given during the 49th Expolac - Minas Láctea 2026 -, held between July 13th and 16th in Juiz de Fora (MG), to Paracatu Parmesan Cheese, which achieved 3rd place in the National Dairy Competition, one of the most traditional and respected in the country; and the strong presence of the partner brand Cemil in the national market for condensed milk and dairy products.