Milk
DMK and DOC to introduce German welfare milk
The cooperatives DMK and DOC Kaas introduce a new milk stream from January 1, 2025. This stream meets the requirements of the German Animal Welfare Label Level 3 (HF3) and has further improvement of animal welfare as its main theme. Participation is open to all members and newcomers who meet the requirements.
DMK Group processes the milk into a wide range of dairy products. The company expects a large part of this assortment to be converted to the standards of the HF3 program. Dairy farmers can earn a surcharge of €3.00 per 100 kilograms of milk on top of the base milk price.
The market demand for dairy products with the HF3 label started in 2023 and is growing. German supermarket chains want to convert their range of cheese and white dairy products to products that meet the requirements of HF3. Last year, DMK Group already switched the assortment of dairy drinks to the new standard.
To meet the growing market demand, the boards of DMK and DOC Kaas U.A. have decided to offer all Dutch and German members the opportunity to deliver milk according to the QM++ program from January 1, 2025, which corresponds to Animal Welfare Label Level 3.
The program focuses on several aspects, including cow comfort, animal health, calf rearing, feed, housing conditions, and farm environment/hygiene. Each aspect has multiple criteria that participating dairy farmers must meet. In addition, having a valid KKM and VLOG certification are basic requirements for participation in the program. The assurance is provided by an independent party.
Participation in the HF3 program is also possible for new members who register with DOC Kaas and meet the criteria.
The new milk stream will exist alongside the 'Tuurlijk stream' that DOC Kaas has created in collaboration with Jumbo.
Earlier this year, competitor A-ware introduced a similar milk stream called Koebewust. A premium of €3.00 per 100 kilograms of milk is also paid for this concept.
