USK raises raw milk advisory price to 24.30 TL, effective May 1

The National Milk Council (USK) announced on April 30, 2026 that it has increased the advisory sales price for raw cow milk with 3.6% fat and 3.2% protein from 22.22 TL to 24.30 TL per litre, with the new price effective from May 1, 2026.

According to the Council’s statement, the hike equals a 2.08 TL per-litre increase, or roughly a 9.36% rise over the previous reference price. The announced price excludes raw milk support payments; where cooling, transport and other operating costs are borne by producer organisations, an additional 1.80 TL per litre will be payable. The Council noted adjustments of ±0.36 TL per 0.1 change in the base fat and protein composition and said it will reassess prices in July 2026.

From an industry perspective, the increase improves headline producer receipts but remains below independent producer cost estimates. TÜSEDAD (All Milk, Meat and Breeding Cattle Producers Association) reported a calculated production cost of 28.35 TL per litre of hot raw milk for April 2026, highlighting a significant gap between costs and the Council’s advisory price that has drawn criticism from farming groups. Processors and retailers will monitor pass-through dynamics to consumer prices.

In a broader economic context, feed prices, energy costs and exchange rate volatility continue to influence raw milk pricing decisions. While USK’s advisory prices aim to stabilise the sector, persistent divergence between input costs and advisory levels could pressure supply and contribute to upward movement in retail dairy prices and food inflation. Stakeholders view the July reassessment as a key milestone.

Analysts expect continued negotiation between producer organisations and industry players, with potential calls for targeted support measures or logistical cost relief to bridge the cost-price gap. Market participants will watch whether the Council’s July review narrows the difference with TÜSEDAD’s cost estimates or whether further policy measures become necessary to sustain rural producer incomes and sectoral stability.