A-ware concludes agreement with Albert Heijn

Cheesemaker Royal A-ware has signed an agreement with Albert Heijn to make the retailer's own dairy brand more sustainable. A separate program is being set up for this. Dairy farmers can register from today, Monday 11 December. 

A-ware wants to set up a separate milk flow to process cheese and other dairy products for Albert Heijn. The origin of the products becomes more transparent and the production method more sustainable. The cow, the soil and the farmer are central here.

Dairy farmers who participate in the program receive a premium on top of the A-ware milk price. The program will be introduced step-by-step in the period from 2018 to 2020.

Far-reaching grazing
The dairy products that A-ware wants to make are based on extensive outdoor grazing. In this, A-ware goes further than is currently the case. It has been agreed that within this program all dairy cows and young stock are grazed. In the winter season, when the cows are in the stable, they must have a place to eat and lie down and more space. The feed will also consist of at least 80% (preserved) grass during the winter months. 

Ground-bound
With this step, A-ware wants to show that it takes responsibility for achieving the climate objectives. The land-based character of dairy farming is central to this. Feed should be sourced from the region as much as possible to avoid excessive CO2 emissions.

The use of 100% herb-rich grassland is necessary to promote biodiversity and attract meadow birds. Farmers participating in this program are no longer allowed to plow the land. This is to prevent emissions from the soil. According to A-ware, the dairy farmer should gain more knowledge of soil management. 

Green power
The dairy farmers who supply milk within this program must work with the lowest possible CO2 emissions. This by using only green energy. Calves are reared on the farm or within a radius of 25 kilometers.

The agreements that A-ware has made with Albert Heijn are a step towards making milk flows within the dairy more sustainable. CEO Jan Anker: "This development fits in with A-ware's strategy to make our milk flows more sustainable together with our dairy farmers and to add value to the market together with our chain partners."

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