Aurivo Unveils New Sustainability Milk Payment Bonus for Farmers
Source: The DairyNews
Aurivo Co-operative announced on Tuesday, April 2, the launch of a groundbreaking initiative: a 0.5c/L sustainability milk bonus as part of its Aurivo Future Milk Programme. This bonus payment aims to incentivize milk suppliers to prioritize environmental protection and farm profitability.
Under this new scheme, suppliers will automatically qualify for the 0.5c/L plus VAT bonus on all milk supplied in 2024, starting from the month the application form is completed and returned until the end of the year. Suppliers submitting their forms in April will enjoy this bonus payment from April through December 2024.
Aurivo disclosed that for subsequent years, suppliers will continue to receive the 0.5c/L plus VAT bonus each month, based on the previous year's data. To remain eligible for payments in subsequent years, suppliers must complete the Bord Bia sustainability survey and fulfill at least three of the specified measures:
Donal Tierney, Chief Executive of Aurivo Co-operative, emphasized the commitment of Aurivo's 1,000 milk suppliers to producing high-quality milk while prioritizing environmental stewardship. He highlighted Aurivo's pivotal role in supporting farmers on their sustainability journey and expressed that the new sustainability bonus serves as recognition for farmers' efforts in enhancing the environment, whether through water quality management, biodiversity initiatives, or herd efficiency improvements.
Tierney underscored that the payment structure is based on a robust set of measures, ensuring that recipients are actively reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing water quality. Additionally, Aurivo milk advisors stand ready to assist farmers in maximizing the benefits of the programme.
Aurivo disclosed that for subsequent years, suppliers will continue to receive the 0.5c/L plus VAT bonus each month, based on the previous year's data. To remain eligible for payments in subsequent years, suppliers must complete the Bord Bia sustainability survey and fulfill at least three of the specified measures:
- Complete four milk recordings annually.
- Utilize one tonne of protected urea per 100,000 litres of milk supplied.
- Maintain a somatic cell count (SCC) below 150 or reduce it by 5% annually.
- Attend an annual water training event.
- Use dairy bulls with a minimum Economic Breeding Index (EBI) of €230 and beef bulls with a minimum Dairy Beef Index (DBI) of €100.
- Introduce replacement heifer calves born in the herd each year.
Donal Tierney, Chief Executive of Aurivo Co-operative, emphasized the commitment of Aurivo's 1,000 milk suppliers to producing high-quality milk while prioritizing environmental stewardship. He highlighted Aurivo's pivotal role in supporting farmers on their sustainability journey and expressed that the new sustainability bonus serves as recognition for farmers' efforts in enhancing the environment, whether through water quality management, biodiversity initiatives, or herd efficiency improvements.
Tierney underscored that the payment structure is based on a robust set of measures, ensuring that recipients are actively reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing water quality. Additionally, Aurivo milk advisors stand ready to assist farmers in maximizing the benefits of the programme.
