A-ware increases AH bonus, but demands are not tender

Dairy farmers who supply to A-ware and participate in the Albert Heijn concept will receive 5 cents instead of 3 cents on top of the price of meadow milk from August. On the other hand, there is a series of additional requirements that they must meet. 

In 2018, the collaboration between the dairy producer and the largest supermarket chain in our country started. A revolutionary step. Evidently, the cooperation is satisfactory on both sides, because the concept (which is based on 3 pillars: cow, nature, farmer) will in any case be extended until the end of 2022. The ambitions are clear, they say that 'far-reaching steps' are being taken to produce climate-neutral milk by 2021.

Mandatory grazing for young stock
The additional requirements that dairy farmers have to meet are not a good idea. Plowing is no longer allowed, in other words: permanent grassland is a hard requirement. On top of the existing requirements for herbs and clover, 10% will be extensively managed herb-rich grassland. This means that no mowing or fertilization is allowed between April and June. Another striking precondition is that young stock must be given pasture grazing. Moreover, the rearing takes place on our own farm or else within a radius of 25 kilometers from the farm. 

Coordinated with sounding board group
A spokesperson for A-ware says that the extra requirements have been coordinated with a sounding board group, which also includes a number of dairy farmers. The dairy manufacturer therefore expects the requirements to be manageable for the group that is already participating. Incidentally, it is not possible to join the concept now due to a waiting list. A-ware would not say how many dairy farmers are interested. 

Other requirements that stand out are a mandatory cubicle per cow and a minimum of 70 points in the 'KalfOK' score. In addition, the calf mortality should not exceed the national average and only the use of green electricity is allowed. A-ware realizes that the requirements are not for every dairy farmer. “This concept has to suit you,” said the spokeswoman. Another striking point is that the participating dairy farmers receive an insect box, although they will probably be especially enthusiastic about the lucrative bonus of 5 cents. 

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Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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