for today and tomorrow
De Graafstroom is a proud dairy cooperative that combines stewardship, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. Our mission: to turn milk into good food with respect for people, animals, and nature. We are building a future in which taste, quality, and sustainability go hand in hand.
stewardship
As a cooperative, we feel responsible for more than just the present. For us, stewardship means caring for the land, the animals, and the people who will come after us. We continuously invest in sustainable agriculture, energy-efficient production, water conservation, and animal welfare. For us, good entrepreneurship is inextricably linked to good stewardship.
Our sustainability strategy is a joint journey, from farmer to cheese maker. In our animation, we take you through the steps we are taking to reduce our impact and make our chain more sustainable. From biodiversity on the farm to energy-efficient technology. Discover how we are working towards a sustainable future.
Committed to SBTi
Our sustainability strategy is a joint journey, from farmer to cheese maker. In our animation, we take you through the steps we are taking to reduce our impact and make our chain more sustainable. From biodiversity on the farm to energy-efficient technology. Discover how we are working towards a sustainable future.
87 %
Farmers who graze their cattle
32 km
Average distance from farm to factory
100 %
Use of green energy
66 %
Reduction in gas consumption
RESPECT for nature
Our farmers and employees share knowledge and experience to become increasingly sustainable together. Through workshops, lectures, and training courses, we inspire each other to go one step further every day. With our sustainability program, we promote biodiversity and ensure lower CO₂ emissions per liter of milk. Our cows receive the best care and graze regularly outside in the pasture, because respect for animals starts with a good living environment.
Within the ‘Green Circles; cheese and soil subsidence’ initiative, we work with a wide range of partners to tackle area-specific challenges with regard to sustainability.
Care for our animals
Animal welfare is a top priority within our cooperative. We are fully committed to the agreements at EU, national, and sector level to monitor the health and welfare of our cows. Our animals receive the best care, with attention to their natural behavior and living environment.
Within Groene Cirkels (Green Circles), companies, governments, and knowledge institutions join forces to create a future-proof landscape. Based on open and equal cooperation, De Graafstroom and its partners are committed to preserving and future-proofing the agricultural landscape in the Alblasserwaard-Vijfheerenlanden region.
This collaboration focuses, among other things, on slowing down soil subsidence and increasing biodiversity in the peat meadow area where our cheese factory and a large part of our farmers are located.
