The French Terre de Lait initiative - France, Terre de Lait

FRANCE TERRE DE LAIT: FRANCE IS A DAIRY LAND

France Terre de Lait guarantees the French origin of each litre of milk and every dairy product made in the country, ensuring the high-quality standards of the French dairy sector and the skilled expertise of each actor in the field. The initiative reflects the engagement of the entire French dairy sector to integrate key social and economic challenges into the heart of the sector’s strategy for sustainable development.

The forward-thinking French dairy sector embodies the whole community of committed farmers, processors (including co-operatives and private companies), distributors, retailers, restaurants and food services.
These stakeholders share the same conviction and pursue key common values: strong local production underpinned by family farms and production sites spread throughout the country; a diverse range of quality dairy products which are a source of pride and tradition throughout our regions; and shaping a future that balances age-old traditions with cutting edge technologies and innovations.

A COLLECTIVE, SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS INITIATIVE

Sustainable development has always been a top priority for the French dairy sector, from milk production and processing all the way through to delivery to the end customer. In the spirit of transparency, we believe it is important to present the progress we have already made as well as our future commitments.
The French dairy sector has a proven track record in meeting market demand and satisfying consumer preferences. We believe it is important to communicate our practices and initiatives in order to reinforce the value of our products for the benefit of all actors in the sector.
France Terre de Lait is a voluntary social responsibility initiative serving the entire dairy community, in line with the ISO 26000 social responsibility framework, and governed by four core principles:

ACCOUNTABILITY

Every day, 300,000 men and women assure the production of milk, cheese, butter, cream and yoghurt. In France, dairy products are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Customer satisfaction is our ultimate aim.

CONTINUOUS PROGRESS

The entire dairy community, from farmers and processors to distributors, retailers and restaurant/food services, is constantly working to improve practices to address new challenges.
The France Terre de Lait initiative is an integral part of this improvement process, guaranteeing that each litre of milk and dairy product is made in France following strict quality standards, exemplifying the skill and expertise of the men and women on which the French dairy sector depends.

TRANSPARENCY

To demonstrate the value of its dairy produce, the French dairy sector is committed to providing assurances in four key performance areas: social and economic, food safety, nutrition, and responsible production, including animal welfare and environmental protection.

COMMUNICATION & DIALOGUE

The approach of the dairy sector to sustainable development is based on clear communication with every stakeholder, as well as partners, the wider community and consumers.

THE DAIRY SECTOR ACTIVELY ENGAGES

Engagement dashboard

France Terre de Lait offers a roadmap for progress underpinned by 4 performance indicators. Each performance area consists of two objectives.
These objectives, aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations (UN), reflect the priorities of the French dairy sector for 2025 and encompass a shared goal: creating a better, more sustainable future for all.

Ensure that all stakeholders can earn a decent living and thrive professionally

Economic and social performance

Commitments	2025 Objectives	UN Sustainable Development Goals
Improve the capacity of the dairy industry to remunerate all its stakeholders	Ensure that over half of dairy farmers are paid above the French median living wage
	Create more efficient dairy companies (through innovation and investment, etc.)
Enhance working conditions for all employees of the dairy sector to make the industry more attractive	Measure and improve workplace quality of life (professional recognition, financial security, education and training, working conditions and well-being)

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Because consumer confidence is key

Food safety performance

Commitments	2025 Objectives	UN Sustainable Development Goals
Continue to guarantee the absence of antibiotic residues in milk. Continue to fight against antibiotic resistance	100% of milk tested. Systematic surveillance of milk deliveries at the farm and dairy
Boost food safety	Optimise surveillance, inspection, control and follow-up investigation methods

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Uphold animal well-being and protect the environment

Responsible production

Commitments	2025 Objectives	UN Sustainable Development Goals
Assess the welfare of dairy herds and improve practices when necessary	100% of farms audited
	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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Committing to responsible consumption

Food performance

Commitments	2025 Objectives	UN Sustainable Development Goals
Inform the public of the essential role of dairy products in a well-balanced diet, and on the methods of dairy production	Build upon the high levels of consumer confidence in dairy produce
Promote sustainable exports with respect for local production and food cultures	For export markets, notably emerging markets, deliver high added-value dairy products that complement rather than compete with local supply

Sources: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/fr/news/communications-material