Implanted on the SE-175 highway, in the stretch that goes from the junction with SE-200, in the Jiboia Village, to the junction with SE-414, the Milk Route is an initiative of road infrastructure by the Government of Sergipe with an estimated investment of R$ 90 million. With a length of 46.40 kilometers, its goal is to boost local milk production and derivatives, thus benefiting municipalities in the high hinterland (Nossa Senhora da Glória, Gararu, Feira Nova, Poço Redondo, Porto da Folha, Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, and Itabi). It is noteworthy that this production has the potential to attract visitors from other Sergipe cities and even from outside the state, thereby boosting rural and experiential tourism in the region.
As an example of innovation and preservation of local traditions, Queijaria Fazenda Nova is part of the Milk Route. With over 70 years of existence, the rural property is currently managed by the third generation of owners, entrepreneur Joseane da Costa, who grew up there and has been transforming dairy production in the region with the business for the past ten years. She reveals that the inspiration to create the cheese factory came from the financial need to not 
stop the farm and also to add value to the products. It is worth highlighting that the Milk Route connects with Queijaria Fazenda Nova as it is located in the dairy basin in Nossa Senhora da Glória, where milk from the region and surrounding cities is collected to be processed at this farm.
In addition to offering for sale dairy products such as coalho cheese, frescal cheese, spiced cheeses, dulce de leche, butter, bottle butter, and natural yogurts, Queijaria Fazenda Nova provides products that stand out in the market for their smooth texture and distinctive flavor. It is important to emphasize, especially, the difference in care at each stage of dairy production. In a completely artisanal manner, the production discards preservatives, and as a result, quality is guaranteed by the State Inspection Seal (SIE).
Sustainable practices are also adopted through some programs, including the More Healthy Milk (PMLS). Additionally, it has the support of the State Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Seagri), the Municipal Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock, the Brazilian Service of Support to Micro and Small Enterprises (Sebrae), and the National Rural Learning Service (Senar).
Queijaria Fazenda Nova also contributes to the development of the local community. Currently, 25 families 
are involved in the production of dairy derivatives by supplying the raw material (milk), which is processed at this cheese factory. It is also important to highlight that the property has become an authentic tourist destination for those passing through the Milk Route. This is because it offers visitors experiential tourism; in addition to buying cheeses, butter, and other products available in the small shop located right at the entrance of the farm, visitors can also observe the entire production process that follows strict food safety criteria.
With operating hours from 7 AM to 6 PM every day, including weekends and holidays, Queijaria Fazenda Nova has ten employees. They include a veterinarian, accounting and administrative-financial staff, three workers in the factory production, and two more people who go to collect milk from farms in the region. Daily, 2,000 liters of milk are processed, which means 200 kilograms of cheese/goods per day.
For those passing through the Milk Route on the Engenheiro Jorge Neto Highway, the sweet shop of Maria José Barros Souza, known as Dona Nena, is a must-stop. The store has been in existence for over 30 years in one of the oldest properties in the region. In addition to being a milk producer with the milking of the cows that provide the raw material to 
make so many delights, she keeps alive the traditions of the interior of Sergipe in the production of sweets, puddings, mousses, cheese cakes, candies, jellies, cookies, among others, through artisanal techniques that carry the flavor of the countryside and the care of those who produce it.
Visitors who go to Dona Nena’s Homemade Sweets, in addition to being welcomed with warm and family-like service – her children, husband, sister, daughter-in-law, and niece are all involved in the process – leave with the experience of having met a woman who embodies the soul of the hinterland, who develops quality products and represents the connection between product and local culture. Therefore, it can be affirmed that Dona Nena is one of the protagonists of the Milk Route, as her contribution goes beyond dairy production, as it values the cultural heritage that preserves the essence of the Sergipe hinterland, this very special region of the state of Sergipe.
Source: https://turismosergipe.com.br/