Supporting thriving farms
Thriving farms are the foundation of sustainable dairy. Here’s how we are partnering across diverse dairy systems to improve practices that directly affect climate, nature, cows, and communities.
Farms are central to the systems that support action on climate, nature protection and restoration, animal welfare, and community wellbeing. Every farmer plays a vital role in building a dairy system that delivers responsibly today, while safeguarding long-term opportunity and value for generations to come.
We partner with certified A1 protein free farms across New Zealand, Australia, USA and Canada, alongside our partner processors, with an ambition to help support a thriving farm system. We believe thriving farms are built on well cared for cattle, supported people, productive soils, and resilient land.
An Integrated Approach to Help Farms Thrive
We partner closely with our supplier farmers and processors with the aim of supporting responsible, resilient dairy production, to ensure we can continue to deliver quality a2™ branded products for future generations. Our approach is built on:
- A diverse supply base across regions and farming systems
- Long term partnerships supported by premiums paid to farmers supplying A1 protein free milk
- Investment in science, research and innovation
- Robust animal welfare standards
- Targeted farmer support through on-farm investments
- Support for people through wellbeing and safe working environments
- Capability building and continuous improvement
- Data-driven insights and transparent reporting
- Collaboration with the industry where appropriate
Partnership Over Procurement
Farms in our value chain aren’t simply suppliers; they are partners in shaping the future of Dairy for good. We recognise the diversity of farming systems and tailor our support to each farm’s system, local environment and business needs.
Premium for Quality and Care
Certified farms supplying A1 protein free milk receive a premium that recognises the quality and care that goes into supplying milk for our products.
Collaboration for Greater Impact
We work with industry to align with best practices and deliver tools, training and support for farmers. We also partner closely with processors to embed sustainable practices across the entire value chain, with the goal of amplifying positive outcomes from farm through to finished products.
Sustainable Dairy Farming Across Different Production Systems
Sustainable dairy isn’t one-size-fits-all. But across all systems, sustainable farming principles remain the same:
- Healthy land and water
- Biodiversity and nature protection
- Strong animal welfare outcomes
- Responsible and efficient farm practises
- Healthy, supported people and farming communities
Farm-Level Action for Shared Goals
Animal Welfare
At The a2 Milk Company, cows are at the heart of our business and we care deeply about animal welfare. We recognise that strong animal welfare practices are fundamental to sustainable dairy production. Healthy, well-treated cows help to support safe and productive workplaces, consistent milk supply, and premium product quality. We also know that our customers care about the welfare and wellbeing of the cows who produce the milk they buy, and we are therefore committed to ensuring these expectations are met.
The a2 Milk Company has industry leading Animal Welfare Standards that go beyond legal compliance across various dairy production systems. These standards are guided by the internationally recognised Five Domains model, a science-based framework for assessing animal welfare.
Farms operating under our animal welfare program are supported to provide cows with:
Our welfare standards are reviewed annually by independent experts, and evolve in line with science, evidence and consumer expectations. Required farms undergo independent audits each year to verify compliance with our standards.
Farm Environmental Plans
Farms play a pivotal role in protecting land, water and biodiversity. Where applicable, we support farms to develop Farm Environmental Plans (FEPs) that identify practical opportunities to manage environmental risks and build on farm resilience.
Farm Environmental Plans follow a practical framework focused on material areas of environmental management in dairy production:
The a2 Milk Company maintains a dynamic and resilient supply chain, built on long-standing supplier farmer partnerships and strengthened with new suppliers over time. While not every farm currently has an FEP, we encourage and support farms to adopt these plans as part of a continuous improvement journey.
Innovation and Technology on Farm
Innovation strengthens resilience, improves animal welfare, and supports environmental outcomes.
Farmers in our value chain are continuously testing and adopting new tools to enhance performance. Examples include:
Farmers choose the tools that best fit their system – our role is to support adoption where it’s aligned with local regulations and fits requirements while delivering tangible benefits.
Support That Makes a Difference
Practical support
Alongside our partner processors, we provide personalised support through our Farm Services team and Sustainability team. Our team provides additional capability across key areas of on-farm performance, including:
- Operational efficiency and productivity
- Environmental management
- Emissions reduction and reporting
- Animal welfare
A practical on-farm data strategy enables the collection and use of emissions and environmental management data, helping our supplier farmers, partner processors and the Company track progress, identify opportunities, and focus efforts where they have the greatest impact.
Financial support
The a2™ Farm Sustainability Fund supports our supplier farmers to be proactive in sustainable dairy by funding on-farm projects that benefit climate, nature, cows, and communities.
Each year, the Fund invites applications from dairy farmers supplying A1 protein free milk across Australia and New Zealand, helping turn sustainability ideas into practical action.
Where to Learn More
Emissions & Climate:
Our approach to on-farm emissions, measurement and reduction is detailed on our Climate page.
a2™ Farm Sustainability Fund:
How we are helping our supplier farmers scale projects for climate, nature, cows and communities.
Learn about the a2™ Farm Sustainability Fund ->
ESG reporting library:
The ESG reporting library contains all voluntary and mandatory climate and ESG disclosures, performance updates and detailed sustainability data.
Explore Our Sustainability Focus Areas
Climate and Nature
Working to reduce emissions, support biodiversity and contribute to nature positive outcomes.
Sustainable Packaging
Improving circularity by using recyclable materials, increasing use of recycled content and providing clear, accurate on-pack information to enhance packaging recovery.
Responsible Supply Chain
Sourcing ingredients and materials responsibly, with a focus on human rights and ethical practices.
Enriching Communities
Supporting children, families and our farming communities to thrive.
