Do milk processors need protein?

Dairy sector participants are discussing the reasonability of protein content in dairy products increase. This question was raised within the meeting of technical regulation of milk and dairy products safety group at Ministry of Agriculture which took place on 27 February.

Since protein content criteria became a price forming factor the average level of protein content in raw milk in Russia reached 3.15 – 3.18%. Technical Regulations on Milk and Dairy Products determine a minimal level of protein content in liquid milk at the level of 2.8% (2.6% - for milk with 4% and higher fat index).  In case the requirements regarding protein content level are raised to 3% the sector’s rate of return will be increased, believe experts from Russian Dairy Union/RSPMO. Meanwhile representatives of the National Dairy Producers Union/SOUZMOLOKO qualified the proposal as untimely. As a result the “protein question” divided the dairy industry into two parts. 

SOUZMOLOKO sent a request to the Ministry of Agriculture not to raise the level of protein content requirement. According to the Union’s statement, the level of protein content varies in 45 Russian regions from 2.99% to 3.36%. However in 30 regions the average level of protein content is lower than 3.2%. This criteria depends on seasonality and cannot be used as minimum allowed. The Union forecasts that in case the proposal to increase the level to 3% is adopted producers will not be able to sell those volumes of milk which will not meet the new requirement. As a result farmers will continue to slaughter the livestock and to decrease production of milk. 

Read the full article here and here