Uruguay's dairy industry has grown significantly over the last 20 years, positioning it as the sector with greatest growth among exporting countries and placing Uruguay among the top four dairy product exporting countries. Milk production in Uruguay has grown steadily over the past two decades at a 2,6% annual rate: production expanded from 795 million liters in 1980 to 1,450 million liters in 2003. Milk production is based on intensive pasture use by strategic concentrated supplements along with silages. Nowadays, close to 50% of all milk is produced on improved pastures. This allows milk production costs to be one of the world's lowest prices. Production is carried out in large open spaces in balanced environments. The use of hormones or any other growth stimulators is strictly prohibited, ensuring the natural characteristics of the product. Milk production has improved steadily since the implementation of the National Quality System in 1997.

b) a set of key statistics such for each country
i) milk produced: 1.450 million liters
ii) share of world trade: 0,7% in total export Values (Source FAO)
iii) growth in milk litres per annum: 2,6% annual rate
iv) number of dairy cows: 440.000
v) number of dairy farms: 5.081
vi) number of farm families: 57.131
vii) number of direct jobs in the dairy industry: 3.800
viii) number of indirect jobs in the dairy industry: not available