High SDAS audit scores in Dairygold

Some 1,889 Dairygold milk suppliers, or 64% of the Society’s supplier base, have signed up to become participants in the nationwide scheme, a little under a year since Dairygold began promoting member participation in Bord Bia’s Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme.

And about one in four Dairygold Co-op milk suppliers have already completed the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme farm audit carried out by Bord Bia. These 726 suppliers scored 93% on average, a “very encouraging” result, according to the co-op.

Dairygold offers a 0.1 cent per litre bonus to all of their milk suppliers who pass the audit. The bonus is paid on successful completion of the audit, but is backdated to the date of application to participate in the scheme.

The co-op has initiated a number of measures designed to assist milk suppliers with audit issues, such as water testing through Enfer, free farm signage through the Co-Op SuperStores chain, and a programme to assist participants prepare their animal feed and animal remedy records.

The co-op is also providing dedicated personnel to oversee suppliers’ participation in the scheme.

A spokesperson said having all Dairygold milk suppliers achieve the certification is extremely important for Dairygold Co-op, and for its membership of the Origin Green programme.

“Dairygold’s ability to demonstrate that its milk is produced sustainably under an independent accredited scheme is a key element in building international sales.”