Good news for 8,500 Berglandmilch farmers. Austria’s largest milk processor will increase milk surcharges for animal welfare measures from September 1, 2024.
Wels (OTS) – More than five years ago, Berglandmilch introduced an animal welfare bonus to promote particularly animal-welfare stables and forms of husbandry. More than 15 million euros have already been paid out to Austria’s dairy farmers annually through the animal welfare bonus.
This incentive for greater animal welfare is now being greatly increased at Berglandmilch. The budget is almost doubled. A total of €30 million is made available each year for greater animal welfare. The graduation takes place in 4 stages. Depending on the stable and the type of husbandry, surcharges of up to 3 cents per kg of milk can be earned.
Berglandmilch farmers also set a strong example for local dairy products with their animal welfare measures. This takes into account the social desire for dairy products that, in addition to taste and quality, also guarantee sustainability and animal welfare.
Berglandmilch, like other Austrian milk processors, relies heavily on branded items and premium concepts for the national and international food trade when marketing its products. Animal welfare is a central criterion there. The added value achieved through such concepts is passed on to dairy farmers via the animal welfare bonus.
The new animal welfare bonus system begins with level 1. In this level, there are milk money surcharges for stand-alone keeping in combination with at least 120 days of pasture, alpine pasture or exercise. Level 2 includes farms with a free-stall barn or a combination system with daily exercise or grazing. New to the animal welfare bonus system is level 3, which businesses with an open-front stable or free-stall farms with a covered outdoor yard can apply for. The highest animal welfare bonus level 4 applies to freestalls with daily outdoor exercise or freestalls with at least 120 days of pasture or alpine pasture. The four-stage bonus program means animal welfare and the effort required for it will be even better rewarded in the future.
Almost 80% of the milk delivered to Berglandmilch already comes from the two highest animal welfare bonus levels 3 and 4. A clear sign that Berglandmilch farmers are already considered pioneers in their commitment to animal welfare and animal health. After farmers have been avoiding non-European and genetically modified feed, glyphosate and milk replacers for many years, the additional measures for greater animal welfare underline the international pioneering position of Austrian dairy farmers.
Berglandmilch eGen:
Berglandmilch is the largest Austrian milk processing and distribution company. Berglandmilch eGen operates eight locations in 5 federal states and is solely owned by more than 8,500 dairy farmers. Berglandmilch appears on the market with well-known brands such as Schärdinger, Tirol Milch, Lattella and Stainzer. Farming tradition combined with holistic quality thinking and the courage to take new and future-oriented paths are reflected in diverse and innovative products. www.berglandmilch.at
Questions & Contact:
Anna Brandstetter, MA
presse@berglandmilch.at
+43 7476 77311 5628