The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina said on Monday that its member farmers have received over €245 million in premiums for their sustainability achievements in 2023, as the company continues to drive progress towards its climate goals.

Of the total premiums, around €190 million was paid through the cooperative's 'Foqus planet Sustainable development' incentive system, while over €55 million was awarded for participation in specialised milk flows such as organic and 'On the way to PlanetProof'.

The average premium paid to FrieslandCampina's dairy farmer members amounted to €2.63 per 100kg of farm milk.

Cor Hoogeveen, executive board member of the dairy cooperative, said: "In 2023, under the name 'Foqus planet Sustainable development,' we launched a new system for the payment of our sustainability bonuses. This is the first round of payments according to the new system."

The Foqus planet premium is partly funded by the company, partly by customers paying for sustainability efforts and partly by the member dairy farmers themselves through a cooperative deposit.

"More and more customers of FrieslandCampina are setting specific climate goals," Mireille Einwachter, chief sustainability officer at FrieslandCampina commented. "We are a partner for them in fulfilling those goals."

The 'Foqus planet sustainable development' programme rewards dairy farmers across nine sustainability indicators covering animal health, climate, biodiversity and grazing, with the maximum premium at €3.50 per 100kg of milk.

FrieslandCampina says it will continue to organise climate workshops for its members and has developed an online tool to calculate the impact of sustainability measures on farms. The company is also working with various parties to promote innovations that can reduce the environmental impact.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions at member dairy farms is an integral part of FrieslandCampina's Climate Plan, with the total emission reduction results for 2023 to be published in July.

Team work: Mars-FrieslandCampina Sustainable Dairy Development Program

Mars Incorporated also recently unveiled an ambitious sustainable dairy plan named 'Moo'ving Dairy Forward,' accompanied by a substantial $47 million investment over three years.

One highlight of the initiative is the collaboration with dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina, one of the world's largest dairy producers. Together, they will establish the Mars-FrieslandCampina Sustainable Dairy Development Program, dedicated to implementing sustainable practices across Mars' dairy supply chain.

The programme sets out to address the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices, starting with a comprehensive strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of dairy farming.

Key measures include implementing innovative technologies and practices designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions, promoting biodiversity and ensuring efficient water usage and management.

Economic sustainability is another cornerstone of the programme. By focusing on fair pricing and income stability for dairy farmers, the initiative seeks to bolster the economic health of farming communities.

Improved farm productivity through better practices and access to advanced technology will further enhance the viability of dairy farming. Additionally, the programme aims to open new market opportunities for farmers, ensuring they can benefit from a more robust value chain.

Social responsibility plays a crucial role in the Mars-FrieslandCampina Sustainable Dairy Development Program. Ensuring safe and fair working conditions on dairy farms is a priority, alongside supporting local communities through initiatives in education, healthcare and infrastructure development.

The programme also includes comprehensive training and education for farmers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable practices and improve their business operations.

#FrieslandCampina #Dairyfarmers #milk #sustainability