Milks 4 Generations
WHAT WE DO & WHY WE DO IT
Through Milks 4 Generations, we aim to share inspiring stories about our farmers, projects and the regenerative sourcing of milk, dairy and plant-based alternatives, to help Danoners make that brand connection. Through regenerative agriculture and responsible milk projects, we strive for transparent and clean milk production, that preserves and renews our resources, fosters inclusive growth and drives a food revolution. Danone brands are leading this transformation, supporting farmers and engaging consumers, because we believe, what we source and how we source it, shapes the world we live in.
Milk, dairy and plant-based
Our sourcing impacts our final products. And the experience consumers have. Our business depends both on the quality of ingredients and their availability. We want to positively impact both.
PEOPLE, PLANET & ANIMALS
By restoring our soil, strengthening our biodiversity and taking care of our water supply, we want to provide a healthy ecosystem for our animals, so the next generation of farmers can thrive.
Milk
Milk
We believe that dairy as an essential part of a healthy and sustainable diet, can be produced in a way that is good for cows, farmers, consumers, and the planet.
That is why our milk is local. We want to build long-term relationships with farmers by investing in their future and the future of the dairy sector as a whole.
Milk Sourcing
We believe traceable milk and innovative farms are vital to re-establishing trust in milk products and milk production.
In most countries, we can fully trace our milk back to the farmers we work with. The large majority of them are family farmers, who have been with us for years. They are part of a network of 58000 dairy farms in 15 different countries.
At Danone, we buy locally, and we choose to produce locally, with all our yoghurt coming from 64 small to medium-sized dairy farms.
Quality Food Safety
We know the quality of our raw ingredients directly impacts the final product and the experience consumers have. That is why we are committed to sustainable sourcing, natural and transparent, with simple recipes and clean labels.
All our quality and food safety directives, procedures, specifications, and tool kits are at the disposal of Danoners. Every year, more than 5000 dairy farms and milk collection centres are assessed and approved through the MilQSaT tool, representing about 8 Billion litres of Raw Milk.
Pricing & competitiveness
More than 20.000 farmworkers and their families benefit from Danone’s activities in their region.
About 28% of our milk volume, globally also profits from an innovative cost performance model. That model makes farmers less dependant on the world milk price fluctuation. It gives them a fair margin, coverage of part or all their production costs and visibility over several years. It’s currently up and running in the EU, Russia, the US and Egypt.
Categories
Sustainability, resilience and competitive advantage are key to face our economic, environmental and social challenges. We believe diversity has an important role to play; the best farming models are those that are adapted to the environment and their ecosystem.
At Danone, we want to offer alternative categories of milk, from various animals (cow, goat etc.) and different farming models (GMO-free, organic, grass-fed, etc). In every category, we are working with farmers to achieve more sustainable practises.
Innovation
We want to lead the way to the future of agriculture. Danone believes science and technology can bring enormous benefits to farmers and society. It’s the key to providing new solutions to existing or emerging challenges.
Together with NGO’s and universities, we are spearheading regenerative agriculture, restoring our environment and ecosystems with respects for people, the planet and our animals. Supporting a new generation of farmers gain access to dairy farming along the way.
Dairy Ingredients
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Plant-based
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With Respect for
people, planet & animals
Regenerative agriculture projects focus on benefiting everyone along the supply chain. By taking care of our animals, the planet and the farmers we work with, we will succeed in providing the world with healthier dairy production.
For all farmers
Every farmer counts, and every step towards improving their living conditions matters. We are building long-term relationships by sharing value and investing in the future together.
Understanding farmers' needs
Many of our farms have been with us for several years and over multiple generations.
Supporting their business
Danone has developed innovative contracts with farmers that make them less dependant on price fluctuations. We guarantee them a fair margin, coverage of their production costs and an engagement for several years.
Providing new knowledge
Through training centres, the sharing of knowledge and developing tailored training materials, we keep our farmers in the loop and on top of their game.
Discover Educampo in Brazil, Succession Coaching in Spain, The Young Farmers Academy in Belgium, our MBA in Russia, and many more projects that help farmers get ahead.
Proud ambassadorship
Our farmers have become global ambassadors for a more sustainable and regenerative way of farming.
Climate
We foster the ambition to be carbon neutral by the year 2050. All our programmes actively monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help fight against climate change. Read our climate policy.
Eliminating deforestation
Danone is committed to eliminating deforestation from its supply chain. We aim to source milk, dairy and plant-based ingredients by using 100% traceable soy or by promoting local protein alternatives.
Caring for our soil and biodiversity
Through the addition of manure, minimising the use of chemical fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, using cover crops and reducing soil tillage, we work to improve our soils. Studies show that farms can compensate up to 28% of their greenhouse gas emissions that way.
Looking after our water supply
Water isn’t only the basis of life. It’s also the life of our business. 68% of the world’s supply of freshwater is used for agriculture. For Danone, that number is a whopping 89% of our whole business, 60% of which goes into our milk!
With the global population growing, deforestations upsetting soils and water scarcity increasing everywhere, Danone took up the task of reducing not only our carbon footprint but our water footprint as well.
Our goal is to protect water resources by raising awareness of the importance of managing water responsibly and implementing real changes to help combat water scarcity, all along our supply chain.
Animal welfare is a win-win-win
A healthy cow gives more and higher quality dairy, providing farmers with a steady income while producing a better product for consumers. A healthy cow also lives longer and emits less CO2, reducing its impact on the environment.
Want to learn more about how we are committed to animal welfare?
Closer to nature
We are working on free circulation for animals, phasing out remaining tied stalls, and working on stocking density while promoting outdoor access.
Guaranteeing the 5 freedoms of cows
We ask farmers to guarantee the 5 freedoms of their animals.
Freedom from hunger and thirst
All animals get free access to fresh quality water and a healthy diet to maintain their vigour.
Freedom from discomfort
All animals get access to shelter and comfortable resting areas.
Freedom from pain, injury and disease
All farmers work hard to prevent disease or diagnose and treat animals quickly.
Freedom from fear and distress
All animals receive treatment and care that avoid mental suffering.
Freedom to express normal behaviour
All animals are free to roam. All farmers promote outdoor access and work towards a more viable stock density.