Study of channels and margins of milk commercialization at the highlands zone of Sugamuxi providence (Department of Boyacá)

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to give information about the milk marketing characteristics in Sugamuxi province. The commercialization channels were identified and the commercial agents’ participation margins were established along with the current state of the links that form the production chain. Furthermore, the diffusion and application of the Treaty of Competitiveness of the Milk Sector (ACCL) and of its system of prices were evaluated. This analysis discovered problems in two clearly defined areas based on topographical conditions (plain and hillside areas). They each present different problems and use different commercialisation channels. For this reason 235 surveys were given to the different links of the chain in each area. The commercialisation channel in plain areas is: producer, regional processors, wholesaler, consumer, and in hillside areas: producer, transporters, regional processor, local distributor and consumer. The commercialisation margins were calculated for raw milk, pasteurised milk and cheese. Because the profits are greater the great majority of producers in the plain areas are not applying the prices system. Furthermore, there is deficient knowledge of the ACCL on the part of the other links of the chain. Added to the small amount of information about the milk sector and the regional participants the development of a national competitive milk chain is blocked.