The effect of seasonal milk quality on the price paid to producers

Milk is a highly nutritious agricultural product and the basis of a production chain that generates jobs and income but its quality has historically been poor and seasonal in various regions of Brazil mainly affected by climatic variations and production conditions. In order to improve the quality of this raw material control measures and incentives have been implemented by dairy industry organisations such as regulatory instructions and payment for quality. The regulatory criteria are quite strict but if the quality of the milk is not legally satisfactory it can jeopardise not only industrial yields but also food safety and the producer's income. Therefore this study seeks to answer the following question: How is the quality of refrigerated raw milk in relation to the legal framework and the influence of its seasonality on the price paid to producers? This study provides the scientific community and members of the milk production chain with valuable information and relevant results for making decisions about improving the quality of refrigerated raw milk and producer remuneration.