Cono Cheesemakers is accelerating the introduction of a new milk stream for members who are unable or unwilling to meet the grazing standard. Cono's board says it cannot ignore these signals and is taking action. This is evident from a letter from the cooperative to its members. Members have expressed criticism about the timing of the milk stream's introduction.
When asked, Cono himself does not want to say much publicly, except that a pilot project which started this spring is being accelerated. The new milk flow has been named 'Welfare meadows' and is primarily intended for robot farmers with small farm plots, Cono writes in an explanation to members. For a group of Cono's dairy farmers, meeting grazing standards, with all the associated inspections, is becoming increasingly challenging, it says. Cono also notes that legislation and regulations are increasingly motivating dairy farmers to keep cows indoors.
Scaling down is not the intention
The introduction of the new milk flow is remarkable, as Cono has previously worked with combined milk flows. Furthermore, grazing has traditionally been a fixed principle within the cooperative. It's clear between the lines that members don't intend to reduce grazing. Cono notes that grazing may eventually become mandatory for all dairy farmers in the Netherlands, at least that's what's being said in The Hague. With less than 80% of farms grazing, the possibility is very real, they indicate. "Cono attaches great importance to grazing; it is an important foundation for the valorisation of our premium cheeses." Nevertheless, this is now being viewed more flexibly.
Surcharge of 1,50 euros
Dairy farmers who wish to participate in the new milk flow can expect a premium of €1,50 per 100 kilos. This is half of the combined premium currently applicable for full pasture grazing and VLOG. The requirement to feed VLOG will also be waived. Members have been able to register since last week, but participation is not guaranteed, as the potential sales volume is not yet known. The board plans to further explain the plans during the autumn meeting in November.
Timing is striking
There are negative comments from the cooperative's members about the introduction. These comments aren't so much about the milk flow itself, as the terms and conditions seem good at first glance, partly because the VLOG requirement is being dropped. The timing, in particular, is worrying, it's suggested. The milk flow is primarily intended to retain potential newcomers who are critical of full grazing. If Cono members cancel their membership before October 1st, they can switch to another processor three months later. The board is reportedly trying to prevent this with this new milk flow. A Cono spokesperson declined to comment on these reports.
In 2025, Cono lost a significant amount of milk, approximately 50 million kilos annually, due to a group of resignations. For these departures, pasture grazing also played a crucial role in their decision-making process.