Shepherds desperate with surplus milk due to stoppage in cheese making
Nova Sintra, October 23, 2023 - On Brava Island and particularly in Nossa Senhora do Monte and Cachaço, shepherds are facing a challenging dilemma as cheese production in the region was halted years ago by unknown circumstances. The result of this has left pastors desperate and sad, as they are struggling to deal with a surplus of milk that they have nowhere to use.
Cheese production is an essential part of the local economy, and many shepherds have their lives linked to this centuries-old tradition. However, recently, a series of setbacks have affected cheese manufacturing, leaving them in a difficult situation.
Local pastoralists have expressed concern over the deterioration of their surplus milk as the lack of cheese processing not only results in significant financial losses but also adversely impacts their families' livelihoods.
"We are living in difficult times," Eugenio, one of the local pastors. "Milk is our main source of income, and the halt in cheese production has left us in an unsustainable situation. We don't know what to do with this surplus milk, and our animals continue to produce."
The herding community is now looking for alternative solutions to avoid wasting milk and minimize financial losses. Some are exploring the possibility of producing other dairy products, such as yogurt and butter, in hopes of finding alternative markets for the surplus.
Additionally, they are seeking support from local authorities and agricultural organizations to find ways to reactivate cheese production as quickly as possible, restoring economic stability to their families and the community.
The cheesemaking shutdown served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that rural communities can face due to unpredictable external factors. The herders are determined to overcome this challenging situation and restore prosperity to their traditional dairy industry.
