A collective initiative for a sustainable sector
Discover the new 2023 social responsibility report of the French dairy sector.
The dairy sector is committed to defining a framework of quantifiable measures to assess dairy herd welfare and establishing an evaluation method that can be rolled out to every dairy farm across France.
The evaluation criteria adopted by the French dairy sector result from a consultation process of over two years, involving a cross-industry approach with representatives from the sector’s stakeholders, including dairy farmers, co-operatives and private businesses.
To assess the welfare of dairy cattle, 16 evaluation criteria have been defined, aligning with the principles of the World Organisation for Animal Health and the five fundamental freedoms for animal welfare. These criteria are animal-focused and have technical and economic relevance to the dairy farm. They are easy to reproduce, measure and observe.
By 2025, 100% of French dairy farms will be audited as part of a continuous improvement approach.
The Cniel, the French Livestock Institute (IDELE), the National Federation of Breeders (FCEL) and Chambers of Agriculture have pooled their expertise and resources for a cross-industry approach: the Low Carbon Dairy Farm Initiative.
The entire dairy sector is mobilised to ensure that by 2030, every dairy farm in France is engaged in the programme. To collectively reduce the impact on climate change, dairy sector stakeholders have developed and implemented a range of tools, including carbon diagnostics training targeting farmers, advice and support, sharing best practices and a national network of carbon advisors. Since 30 September 2019, the government has awarded the Low Carbon Label to the Carbon Agri method. This allows farmers to promote the reduction of CO2 in tonnes, and through carbon offset schemes, sell carbon offset credits to other businesses wishing to minimise their emissions.
| Commitments | Our 2025 Objectives |
UN Sustainable development Goals
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| Assess the welfare of dairy herds and improve practices when necessary | 100% of farms audited | 
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| Using 16 animal welfare assessment criteria, based on scientific methodology | ||
| Improve the carbon footprint of the dairy industry | In line with our climate roadmap, for a 17% reduction in carbon footprint for every litre of milk at factory exit. | 
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To go further
France 2030
Challenge Lycées Agricoles
