Animal welfare at Granarolo-Granlatte

Farm animal welfare is an everyday commitment for Granarolo-Granlatte farmers.

A long-standing focus on animal welfare


Milk from Granarolo-Granlatte is delivered every day from a supply chain of farmers who are partners in the Granlatte cooperative, in 12 Italian regions, with over 100,000 animals.
Granarolo-Granlatte is a network which involves, on a daily basis, farmers, herds, farms, veterinaries, technicians, laboratories and vehicles. Every day, this network faces quality and sustainability objectives based on shared procedures.

In the mid-1980s, Granarolo-Granlatte launched a programme to improve the quality of the milk in the cowshed linked to farm animal welfare. The Granarolo-Granlatte guidelines, published in 2007, were inspired by the 5 fundamental freedoms, defined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC), as follows:
  • freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition, i.e. ready access to fresh and clean water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour;
  • freedom from discomfort, by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and comfortable resting areas;
  • freedom from pain, injury or disease, especially by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment;
  • freedom to express most normal behaviour, by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind and with humans;
  • freedom from fear and distress, by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
20 years ago, these regulations were unique in terms of scale and geographical scope.

Continuous assistance to farmers and systematic training on milk quality parameters and farm animal welfare are the strengths of Granarolo-Granlatte, which rewards its partners for quality.

All Granarolo-Granlatte farmers who supply milk to Granarolo are required to comply with the animal protection regulations in force and even stricter requirements than those laid down by law concerning farming and the treatment of animals.
 

2018 certification

In 2017 the Granlatte Cooperative, made up of farmers in the Granarolo Granlatte supply chain, started a program with CSQA on improving animal welfare. Since 2018, the Granlatte Cooperative has obtained the certification on animal welfare on farms (DTP 142 n ° 53024) issued by CSQA of all farms that produce High Quality milk, Organic milk and standard milk.
Granarolo, as a processor and user of raw cow's milk from farms with a guarantee of animal welfare, is also certified by CSQA with DTP 142 n ° 53446.

Over the next six months, the programme will call for farm animal welfare certification for standard milk cowsheds.

All certified companies have been assessed through 90 specific farm animal welfare indicators to check the conditions of cattle, structures, equipment and management.
Granarolo-Granlatte farmers may employ instruments useful for guaranteeing the long-term health and welfare of animals (e.g. periodic visits by veterinaries, animal health and welfare monitoring system).
 

Down on the farm


Granarolo-Granlatte cowsheds, registered as educational farms, are open to schoolchildren and organised groups throughout the year (registration required - link to form) and families. Visit the website to keep up-to-date with our initiatives and discover the farms of Granarolo-Granlatte, the largest Italian milk supply network.
This is a unique experience to learn about and discover a vital cultural, environmental and local heritage, all in the fresh air.

Under the farmer's direct guidance, you will be able to:
  • participate actively in life on the farm
  • rediscover the value of farming
  • consolidate your link with the local area
  • try conscious consumption
  • taste Granarolo-Granlatte products