Since June, over 60 households raising dairy cows in Hoang Xa, Lieu, An Thuong, and other hamlets in Vinh Phu commune have been in a state of uncertainty after LOF International Dairy JSC (LOF) announced it would stop purchasing fresh milk starting January 1, 2026.

The situation is not only a major economic concern but also threatens the livelihoods of hundreds of people who rely on dairy farming.

Vu Nhu Quynh, a farmer in An Thuong hamlet, said that LOF signed milk purchase contracts with local farmers in August 2022. When the company announced it would terminate milk collection at Vinh Phu station, farmers were left deeply worried and unsure of what to do.

“Throwing the milk away is heartbreaking, but we can’t store it either,” Quynh said.

Ha Van Long from Hoang Xa hamlet said everyone is anxious. Some are even considering selling their cows, but doing so would mean a significant loss. After so many years dedicated to the profession, they're now facing the possibility of giving it up.

The greatest concern among dairy farmers is the prospect of having to discard 13 tons of milk daily due to the lack of buyers. This would not only cause major financial losses but also deal a heavy blow to the morale of farmers and threaten to wipe out a long-standing dairy farming tradition in the area.

Upon learning of the situation, the Vinh Phu commune People’s Committee submitted a report to various provincial departments and agencies. The report noted that Vinh Phu is one of Phu Tho’s key dairy farming areas, with over 20,370 cows in total, including nearly 15,680 dairy cows.

The commune currently has 12 milk collection stations, with several companies such as Vinamilk, FrieslandCampina, Nutricare, and LOF involved in purchasing. 

Ha Hoang Anh, deputy head of Vinh Phu commune’s economic division, said the local government has submitted an official request for LOF to continue purchasing milk from local farmers. The company responded that due to changes in its business strategy, it will no longer buy fresh milk from individual households.

Anh noted that in the meantime, the commune will work with the Sub-department of Animal Health and Fisheries to survey each household and their production volumes, so as to find ways to support them in locating new buyers.

Thieu Vu - Kha Khanh