Jumbo moves to PlanetProof in dairy, DOC Cheese joins in

The cooperative dairy company, part of the German DMK, announced this in a letter to its members. DOC Cheese is currently implementing Jumbo's Tuurlijk! program, which will gradually transition to the independent PlanetProof certification from the Stichting Milieukeur (SMK) over the coming years. The Hoogeveen-based cheesemaker states that it has always been its intention to evolve into an independent certification.

Jumbo states that it wants to offer dairy farmers the opportunity to invest sustainably, with an eye for nature, climate, and animal welfare. Purchasing Director Wibo van Wijk states: "A single sustainability label for dairy and cheese that covers all relevant sustainability themes is a long-held wish of Jumbo. This creates clarity for suppliers, dairy farmers in the dairy and cheese chain, and for customers, making it easier to make the more sustainable choice in our stores."

PlanetProof and Better Life together
Jumbo also points to the collaboration that SMK recently announced with the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals, owner of the Beter Leven (Better Life) quality mark. In a pilot program, the two organizations are exploring what's needed to help participating PlanetProof companies move toward the Beter Leven animal welfare criteria. Jumbo is the first retailer to participate in the pilot program.

As far as we know, FrieslandCampina and Farmel are currently using PlanetProof milk streams. Jumbo says it is coordinating the future path with the dairy and cheese chains involved in the other programs, in close consultation with them and will, of course, honor previous agreements. For example, the milk stream currently covered by the 1-star Better Life certification is being explored to give it a separate place within the dairy and cheese product range.

DOC Cheese members have the time
For DOC Cheese, this means its member dairy farmers must step up their sustainability game. The PlanetProof certification requirements are higher than those for the Tuurlijk! program and the Beter Leven certification. However, DOC members still have some time to comply. The Tuurlijk! program will continue to operate until January 1, 2029, with the existing compensation. After that, it will become PlanetProof.

The bar isn't being raised significantly. The Stichting Milieukeur (Environmental Quality Foundation) has developed a two-year phasing-in program, allowing livestock farmers to gradually scale up their requirements. Deviations are also permitted under certain conditions, according to DOC Kaas. The cooperative also points out that the PlanetProof program also includes a contingency plan in case a large group of farmers still encounter problems meeting the requirements.

Albert Heijn, Jumbo's main competitor, has been carrying the "Better for Cows, Nature, and Farmers" quality mark for several years now. This quality mark is a joint initiative between Albert Heijn and dairy group Royal A-ware.