FeNIL Urges Measures to Preserve Spain’s Dairy Sector and Secure Milk Supply

The National Federation of Dairy Industries, FeNIL, has urged public authorities and political representatives to adopt decisive steps aimed at securing the future of Spain’s dairy sector. The goal is to guarantee a steady supply of the primary raw material, milk of Spanish origin, for the sake of the sector’s survival and to reinforce food security in the country.

FeNIL’s director-general, Luis Calabozo, stated that in the short term there is no supply risk, while presenting a ten-point plan designed for policymakers and regional governments. The essence of the proposal is clear: ensure a reliable supply in the future so Spain does not become exposed to disruptions triggered by geopolitical events. He emphasized that this is about safeguarding a crucial economic engine and protecting jobs across the dairy value chain.

Calabozo also called for active cooperation from public authorities to assess the proposed measures. He warned that the entire industry is at stake, along with its broader contribution to the economy and employment, urging a coordinated response from government forces to evaluate and implement the plan effectively.

The manager highlighted the industry’s central challenge: to provide an adequate, high-quality, environmentally responsible, and economically sustainable supply of milk. This means ensuring that basic dairy products remain affordable and accessible to society, while maintaining responsible production practices that protect the environment and rural livelihoods.

He noted that this year includes important electoral considerations, with the 28M elections shaping the political landscape. In that context, the decalogue serves not only as a policy blueprint but also as a reflection of the industry’s vision and needs during a pivotal period.

Measures to ensure the sector’s sustainability and viability

The federation urged public authorities to advance a set of measures designed to guarantee the dairy sector’s long-term viability and resilience. The core objective is to secure consistent raw milk production and supply in sufficient quantities, ensuring the chain receives fair compensation at every link. It is essential to promote a renewal of generation within the dairy sector to sustain progress over time.

In addition, FeNIL calls for supportive conditions that enhance the attractiveness of rural areas and the dairy sector overall. The federation also underscores the nutritional importance of dairy products as a fundamental part of a healthy, balanced diet, stressing that access to high-quality dairy should remain a priority for families and communities.

Regulatory clarity and a fair tax framework are also highlighted, with the aim of aligning European, national, and regional environmental standards so the dairy industry can adapt smoothly to evolving rules while remaining competitive.

Three axes: raw material, value chain, and market conditions

The document titled For the Future of the Dairy Sector in Spain, presented on Thursday, maps out the plan to anchor supply as a core action. Three central axes guide the strategy: securing the raw material, strengthening the value chain, and fostering favorable market conditions. These areas are viewed as interconnected and essential for a robust dairy ecosystem that benefits farmers, processors, and households alike.

FeNIL’s proposals seek to boost not only the processing sector but the entire chain from farm to table across Spanish homes. Calabozo stressed that the sector currently faces a climate of uncertainty, with a strong cost pressure impacting margins and the broader productive fabric. Addressing these pressures requires coordinated policy actions that stabilize inputs and support sustainable growth.

Food chain law and its role

On the subject of the Food Chain Law, FeNIL’s leadership expressed a view that the regulation has functioned effectively, supporting the chain through a period of change. They also pointed to the potential to optimize and adjust certain aspects of the law to better reflect real-world conditions in agriculture and food production.

The federation highlighted that recent data from the Department of Agriculture show that a plateau in growth does not automatically translate into higher margins for farmers. This nuance underscores the need for policy measures that translate market stability into tangible gains for producers, while maintaining consumer affordability.

FeNIL notes that the Spanish dairy sector comprises a large share of small and medium enterprises, which together generate substantial economic activity: it accounts for a notable portion of GDP and directly supports tens of thousands of jobs. These businesses form the backbone of rural economies and contribute to regional resilience by maintaining agricultural diversity and food security across Spain.