Germans sell considerably more meadow milk

The sale of drinking milk in Germany showed red figures in the first 8 months of 2017. There are exceptions. The sales of organic milk, for example, are showing an increase, but the performance of meadow milk is even better. Something that can be a lucrative niche for dairy farmers.

The Gesellschaft Zentrale Milchmarkt Melderstattung (ZMB) reports a 8% increase in the sales of meadow milk over the first 33,9 months. It increased to 50 million litres. This makes it still a small segment, but one that is showing significant growth. Sales of organic milk increased by 8,6% to 182,7 million litres. Total milk sales fell by 5,3% to 2,3 billion litres.

Pro Weidemilch
One of the states that 'Pro Weidemilch' is pushing for is Lower Saxony. After Bavaria, this is the most important dairy farming region in Germany. Ammerland has informed Top Agrar that sales have increased by 30% between June and September. Ammerland has been marketing this milk since May. The company estimates that 630 of the 2.000 companies now have a certificate for meadow milk. They see good opportunities to roll out the label nationally. 

Just like in the Netherlands, milk can be sold as meadow milk in Germany if the cows have walked in the meadow for at least 120 days a year, 6 hours a day. Higher demands are made on meadow milk in Ireland. 

The 'Pro Weidemilch' brand was developed in collaboration with the Greenland Center Lower Saxony/Bremen† FrieslandCampina, among others, is in talks with the center to obtain the certificate.  

€60 per cow
Ammerland emphasizes that it is also worthwhile for the dairy farmer to make the switch to meadow milk. In the long term, a plus of €0,05 per liter is on the agenda. Until then, there is an expense allowance of €500 and €200 for the compliance check. In Lower Saxony, the Minister of Agriculture has planned a premium of €2018 per cow for 60.

Herman van den Pol

Herma van den Pol has been with us since 2011 Boerenbusiness and has developed over the years into a market expert Milk & Feed. In addition, she can be seen weekly in the market flash about the dairy market.

h.vandenpol@boerenbusiness. Nl

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