December 18, 2014

 

FrieslandCampina to discard compost use in new milk supply policy

 

 

 

Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina U.A. has announced it will ban the use of compost and composted material among its member farmers effective January 1 next year, as part of the forthcoming changes to the milk-supply policy under the company's new quality and sustainability programme Foqus Planet.

 

Effective 2015, member dairy farmers will be paid a premium based on their sustainability performance, the company said, adding the outdoor grazing premium will also be increased.

 

Moreover, the Members' Council has agreed to amend the milk payment regulations and the statutes, the company said.

 

Foqus Planet will put in place tighter basic requirements, including a grace period and a reward for strong sustainability performances. One consequence of these tighter basic requirements is the ban on the use of compost and composted material, FrieslandCampina said.

 

It said that if member farmers do not fully satisfy the basic requirements, they will be given a four-week grace period in which to rectify the situation. Failure to do so would result in the rejection of their milk.

 

FrieslandCampina also said unannounced spot checks would be carried out.

 

It said the use of Recycling Indicator (KringloopWijzer) will be mandatory for dairy farms with a phosphate surplus.

 

FrieslandCampina said it intends to use its Foqus Planet strategy to help it meet the relevant sector targets by 2020. In 2015 it will start applying six indicators for animal health and welfare, biodiversity and environment, and climate and energy, and measure the results.

Results posted under each indicator will receive points.

 

The level of premium paid to the farmer will depend on the overall volume of milk he has supplied and the total number of points he has gained. The premium will be financed through a pro forma deduction of 0.25 euros (US$.31) per 100 kg of milk supplied.

 

FrieslandCampina said it will also extend its existing outdoor grazing policy in 2015 and increase the contribution for pasture grazing to EUR1 (US$1.23) per 100 kg of milk, to be funded by a cooperative scheme. This increase is on top of the contribution of 0.50 euros (US$.62) per 100 kg of milk from the business.