Turkish milk producers seek price updates amid rising costs

Milk producers in Turkey are facing increasing financial pressure as the recommended price for raw milk has remained stagnant for five months despite rising production costs. According to data from the All Milk, Meat and Breeding Cattle Breeders Association (TÜSEDAD), the production cost for one liter of hot raw milk rose from 26.87 TL in July to 28.50 TL in August.

This increase is primarily driven by rising costs for animal feed, which saw an approximately 11% increase in concentrate feed prices, as well as higher fuel and labor expenses. Currently, the recommended net price for producers stands at 24.30 TL per liter, creating a deficit of 4.20 TL per liter compared to recent production costs.

Industry representatives, including Edirne Milk Producers Union President Mustafa Suiçmez, are calling on the National Milk Council to update pricing for the upcoming October-December period. Producers are advocating for a minimum price of 30 TL per liter to ensure the viability of both large-scale and family-run operations.