Small steps on dairy farms create lasting impact for farmers, the dairy sector and the climate.

Every day, dairy farmers make decisions that shape their business for years to come. How they care for their soil, what they grow to feed their cows and how they manage their herd all play a part in creating a healthy and economically strong farm.

Since 2023, Nestlé, Laiterie des Ardennes and Interfood have been working alongside dairy farmers across Belgium to support that journey. Today, the initiative brings together 104 dairy farms across Flanders and Wallonia, representing around 17,000 dairy cows and more than 150 million litres of milk annually. While every farm is different, we share the same ambition: to help farmers make practical improvements that strengthen their businesses while contributing to a more sustainable dairy sector. 

There is no single solution for more sustainable dairy farming. Real progress comes from many small improvements made over time. Healthy soils. Home-grown feed. Healthy cows. Comfortable housing. Good herd management. Each step may seem small on its own, but together they create lasting impact for farmers, for the dairy sector and for the climate.

Making this possible requires collaboration across the dairy value chain. Nestlé brings its sustainability ambitions through the Nestlé Dairy Plan. Interfood develops and coordinates the initiative, while Laiterie des Ardennes works closely with participating farmers to bring it into practice. By combining knowledge and expertise, we can help farmers make changes that fit their individual businesses and create value for the long term.

Recently, representatives from all partners visited the Peeters family dairy farm, one of the participating farms. Seeing these improvements in practice was a powerful reminder that sustainability is not about one major innovation. It is about the dedication, craftsmanship and commitment shown by dairy farmers every single day.

Together, we believe that supporting farmers is the best way to create lasting change. By working with farmers to build more resilient dairy farms, we also help create a stronger foundation for the next generation to continue what today’s farmers have built. Because a more sustainable dairy sector starts with farmers who can keep moving forward.