Owned by farmers

Foqus planet

Our dairy farmers are essential to our dairy products. With our quality and sustainability programme Foqus planet, we support them in producing the best milk under the best possible conditions. 

Foqus planet consists of two components. Firstly, the basic requirements concerning hygiene, quality, food safety, and animal welfare. Secondly, Foqus planet sustainable development encourages dairy farmers to further improve the sustainability of their farm in their own way.

Basic requirements: guaranteeing safe milk

The Foqus planet basic requirements apply to all member dairy farmers who supply milk to FrieslandCampina and go beyond what Dutch and European legislation prescribes. They cover the hygiene, quality, and safety of milk, feed, and water, as well as animal health, welfare, and nutrient cycles. This ensures that FrieslandCampina milk is always safe, comes from healthy cows, and is responsibly produced.

Compliance is closely monitored through milk testing, administrative checks, and physical inspections (audits) on the farm. Audits are carried out both announced and unannounced by an independent organisation. In cases of non-compliance, a remediation period may follow, giving farmers time to address any shortcomings, or, in extreme cases, milk refusal, meaning the milk will not be collected or processed.

Foqus planet basic requirements

  • Farm

    These requirements focus on the appearance, hygiene, safety, and transparency of the dairy farm. Clear operational guidelines ensure milk safety, the health of cows, and efficient, well-organised farm management.

  • Cow

    Our member dairy farmers consider more than 100 factors regarding the health and welfare of their cows and calves. This includes responsible use of veterinary medicines and protecting animals from unnecessary pain and injury, such as the complete ban on non-medical tail docking. Member dairy farmers receive support from various programmes and work closely with specialised veterinarians.

  • Feed

    Feed and drinking water are the foundation for healthy cows and high-quality milk. Cows must always have access to clean water and good feed. Therefore, we only work with feed suppliers that have a recognised quality system. The basic requirements also guarantee good care for nature and the environment.

  • Milk

    These requirements ensure that our milk always meets the highest standards for quality and food safety. By carefully managing milking, storage, and transport, we guarantee the quality of our dairy products.

Sustainable development: progress step by step

Through Foqus planet sustainable development, dairy farmers are encouraged to gradually improve their farms in four areas: climate, biodiversity, animal health and welfare, and grazing. Member dairy farmers decide for themselves how they contribute to FrieslandCampina’s sustainability objectives. Their results are measured annually, and based on these, they receive a bonus. In the first half of 2025, member dairy farmers received 173 million euros through the ‘Foqus planet Sustainability development’ remuneration methodology for their sustainability results in 2024.

Foqus planet sustainable development

  • Animal welfare and health

    The welfare of cows and calves is a key focus for dairy farmers. Healthy animals not only produce high-quality milk but also make every farmer proud. Foqus planet encourages a longer lifespan for cows and rewards farms for good care and calf health. Read more

  • Climate

    Together with our member dairy farmers, we work hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with milk production. The emissions of member farms are measured annually. Through various programmes, we support members in lowering their emissions. The lower a farm’s emissions, the higher the bonus they receive, which can reach up to €1.50 per 100 kilograms of milk. Read more

  • Biodiversity

    Together with our member dairy farmers, we work towards healthier soil, cleaner water, more biodiversity, and a strong, varied landscape. Using the Biodiversity Monitor, we measure the impact and performance of individual farms on biodiversity restoration. The better the score on various indicators, such as nitrogen balance, on-farm protein production, and nature & landscape management, the higher the bonus. Read more

  • Meadow grazing

    Grazing cows are an iconic part of the Dutch landscape and are valued by many. It is therefore important that cows remain a visible and valuable part of the landscape. Together with other Dutch dairy companies, we have joined the Meadow Grazing Covenant of the Sustainable Dairy Chain (DZK). Farms practising full or partial grazing are rewarded with a bonus. Read more

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Table Sustainable development 2026

This is how we reward member dairy farmers for their sustainability results on the farm

Our impact

Owned by farmers

Biodiversity

Animal welfare and health

Regenerative agriculture

Meadow grazing

Nourishing by nature

Offering relevant nutrition while reducing environmental impact

Sustainability