Milk producers met Tuesday with state Secretary of Agriculture Juan Meléndrez in order to address concerns of the dairy industry — the third most valued product nationwide.

Producers told the authorities that items like hay have increased its cost about 50 percent — an issue that puts stakeholders in jeopardy as milk price cannot increase accordingly.

The producers had requested agency representatives to integrate companies with plants while improving product innovation and consumer preferences.

Sec. Meléndrez said the meeting sought to connect all those involved in the dairy industry. A second follow-up meeting has been scheduled, he said. Stakeholders decided to launch several measures including promoting local consumption, improving oversight, inviting federal officials to verify product quality and integrating chains, among others.