Crisis in the Ecuadorian Dairy Industry, according to Rodrigo Lasso

The dairy businessman, Rodrigo Lasso, has commented about the situation in which the industry is being endangered by the contraband and the drop in sales. Lasso also said that the activity of this industry has a high cost in supplies, food for the animals, workforce, and the fact that the sector has to pay around eight taxes. All these factors influence, making the Ecuadorian Milk one of the most expensive in the world.

To illustrate the situation, he cited some examples: a quintal of urea costs 20 dollars, but in Colombia the price is 10 dollars; a van used in the business costs 12,000 dollars in Brazil, but the same vehicle in Ecuador costs 28,000 dollars.

The ex-Minister ruled out that the industry is using cow serum in the dairy products. He also explained that the industry is trying to lower its milk production to contain the prices. (I)