What does sustainable dairy really mean? The term goes far beyond
combining two trendy words. True sustainability is a complex balance
of four key dimensions, as highlighted by the FAO: environmental
responsibility, nutritional and healthy values, economic viability, social
and cultural well-being. When these pillars are aligned, dairy can have a
meaningful place in Europe’s future sustainable diets.
In Europe, consumers are increasingly guided by these values—seeking
products that ref lect their concerns for the environment, health, local
identity and ethics. This shift is not just a challenge but an opportunity for
the dairy sector to connect more closely with citizens and to showcase the
progress already made.
Across Europe, sustainability in dairy is no longer an abstract goal: It
is embedded in daily practices on farms and in processing facilities.
Farmers and processors are making informed choices every day that
shape a greener, more resilient future. The voice of the younger generation
of dairy farmers, especially in today’s challenging agricultural context, is
essential in guiding this transition.
Introduction
Building a sustainable future and a place
for dairy in sustainable diets in Europe
Farmers and processors are making
informed choices every day that shape
a greener, more resilient future.
Philippe Mattart
General Manager, APAQ-W
Kerstin Wriedt
CEO, Initiative Milch
Lien Callewaert
Director, BCZ
Emma Walls
CEO, NDC
Filip Fontaine
CEO, VLAM
perspective for the sector’s future.
With this publication, we aim to highlight the many facets of sustainability in European
dairy — from concepts to concrete actions. Through examples from four European
countries, we demonstrate how sustainability, safety and quality are the foundations
upon which the sector is already building tomorrow — today.
Henrik Damholt Jørgensen
CEO, DDB
Caroline Helleisen
General Manager, CNIEL
Laurent Damiens
President, EMF
Sommaire Introduction 10 farmers case studies Expert’s interviews FAQ Conclusion