Milk Supply Policy

Have you read our new milk supply policy?

By creating The Co-operative Dairy Group, we are working closely with over 220 dedicated farmers from Aberdeenshire to Somerset and supporting them with a price premium for their milk.

Each farmer in the group prioritises high animal welfare standards, protecting wildlife and the countryside, and carbon footprint reduction.

We have selected a dairy company to process the milk which shares our values and commitments.

Robert Wiseman Dairies has a state of the art network of dairies and distribution centres throughout Britain ensuring that our milk reaches you in the very best condition.

image of the range of Co-operative fresh milk available in stores

Our promises include:

We promise that our new supply will improve our standards of animal welfare

We want Co-operative Dairy Group cows to be in the very best of condition. Herd health is monitored closely and regularly so that the farmer, vets and other experts can work together to keep cows healthy.

We promise that our new milk supply will help lower our carbon footprint

Co-operative Dairy Group farms work towards having as little impact on the environment as possible.

Annual assessments will provide information on key areas like carbon footprint, energy utilisation, water utilisation, water usage, nitrate vulnerable zones and rainwater harvesting.

We promise to protect wildlife and the countryside

Each Co-operative Dairy Group farm has signed up to a farm environment scheme.

Farmers can get funding to find ways of managing their land in a manner that minimises environmental impact and places emphasis on the protection of wildlife and the countryside.

We promise to improve farming efficiency to ensure that our practices are the best of the best

Co-operative Dairy Group farmers want to be the best of the best.

To do this, smaller groups of ten to fifteen farmers meet regularly throughout the year to share best practice on areas like improving herd efficiency, welfare, sustainability and carbon footprints.

Frequently asked questions

What does this new milk supply actually mean?

It means 100% of our standard own-brand milk is now supplied by Robert Wiseman Dairies. This involves setting up long-term relationships with a dedicated group of dairy farmers collectively called The Co-operative Dairy Group.
How will UK farmers benefit?

Over 220 British dairy farmers will receive a price premium for every litre of milk that they produce. The Co-operative is also investing in the future of these farms by facilitating working partnerships with dairy experts Kite Consulting.

As Co-operative Dairy farmers operate in smaller groups they meet regularly over the year to discuss best practice on areas like herd efficiency, welfare and carbon footprints. That includes sharing information on eco-friendly water and energy use in farms to save money and the planet. Proof that Co-operative Dairy Farmers are committed to being the best of the best.
Why is it good for the cows?

At The Co-operative Food we have a long history of investing in animal welfare – from our commitment to sell only free-range eggs to our application of strict Elmwood welfare standards to all meat and poultry sold in our stores.

So we've made sure that our Food Ethical Policy and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Dairy Roadmap are at the heart of this deal. These two initiatives focus on animal welfare, environmental stewardship and carbon footprint reduction. For us animals always come first.
What's in it for me, the customer?

Happier, healthier cows from British farms together with consistently high processing standards from Robert Wiseman Dairies means you can be sure you and your family are getting quality, fresh milk every time you buy from us.

Milk Supply Policy

Have you read our new milk supply policy?

Our promises include:

Frequently asked questions

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