The products would have a lower CO2 equivalent, with a high score on animal welfare and on biodiversity. FrieslandCampina said the Top Dairy line is aligned to its meadow grazing standard and the new standard for the intrinsic link between farmers and the available land for their operations.
In general, member dairy farmers will still have room to grow their milk supply. However, this increase is possible within the boundaries based on expected market demand. Growth over and above this limit will lead to a reduced milk price for those farmers exceeding this limit.
Member dairy farmers that have committed to sustainable and special milk supply will receive higher payments in line with market value creation for such milk. FrieslandCampina will also further invest to expand its existing sustainable and special milk flows.
Expectations are that the first dairy products of the top line will be on supermarket shelves early 2019.
Raising the bar
Hein Schumacher, CEO of FrieslandCampina said by accelerating sustainability efforts the company can set the bar higher for dairy in general.
“The introduction of our sustainable Top Dairy line is a great example of this. With this we strengthen our purpose ‘nourishing by nature.’ Increasingly better nutrition for our consumers and a good living for our dairy farmers. This is what it’s all about, now and in the future.”
Frans Keurentjes, chairman of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A., said, “Sustainable milk will pay-off, we are convinced of that. Being one of the leading dairy cooperatives in the world we ask our members to show strong commitment to meeting the demand for more sustainable and special milk flows.
“In addition to the higher payment for sustainability, we are aiming at well-balanced and market-driven growth. This will help us create a cooperative in which a next generation of farmers is guaranteed a future.”