Dairy farm programme delivers high quality milk

Strict control procedures are essential to ensure the consistent quality of milk – especially when it is produced across borders and under varying conditions. In an increasingly globalised and competitive dairy sector, there is a growing demand from consumers and industry stakeholders for transparency, food safety, and sustainability in primary production. Without common standards and documentation, it becomes difficult to guarantee uniform milk quality and meet rising expectations.

Farmers delivering to Denmark’s biggest producer of dairy, Arla have agreed to participate in a joint quality control programme – The Arla Farm. The program makes sure that all the farmers follow a safe milk production and handling procedure, with strict rules to ensure products are of the best quality and are produced in a safe environment. The four cornerstones of Arlagården are: Milk composition, food safety, animal welfare and environmental considerations.

The programme makes sure that all the farmers follow a safe milk production and handling procedure

A unified quality programme across borders

At the Arla dairy cooperative, the Arlagården programme has contributed to improved farming standards in Northern Europe since 2004. The programme is designed to ensure excellence in milk production by setting out clear requirements for milk quality and food safety, animal welfare, climate and nature, and people.

Since its initial introduction in Denmark and Sweden, Arlagården has been implemented in Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and the UK, covering Arla farmers in a total of seven countries. Twice a year, participating farmers are required to evaluate and document their on-farm practices, enabling Arla to monitor performance and support continuous improvement.

In addition, each farm is subject to a third-party audit at least once every three years. Between audits, specialist farming consultants visit regularly to provide guidance, ensure compliance, and help farmers apply best practices.

Raising the standard of responsible dairy farming

Arlagården has proven to be an effective tool for uniting Arla farmers under a shared commitment to quality, traceability, and sustainability. By providing a structured framework and consistent follow-up, the programme empowers farmers to deliver high-quality milk that meets both regulatory standards and consumer expectations. As a result, Arla can offer reliable, safe, and sustainably produced dairy products sourced from across seven countries, while supporting the long-term development of responsible dairy farming.