Aurivo launches new Sustainability Milk Bonus
New bonus to reward farmers for environmental efforts and assist in improving on-farm profitability as part of the Future Milk Programme
AURIVO Co-operative is delighted to announce a new 0.5 cent per litre sustainability milk bonus as part of its Aurivo Future Milk Programme aimed at helping its milk suppliers protect and enhance the environment, as well as improve farm profitability.
Suppliers will automatically qualify for the 0.5cpl plus VAT payment on all milk supplied in 2024 from the month the application form is completed and returned until the end of 2024. For example: Forms returned in March will receive a 0.5cpl payment for March until December 2024. Forms returned in April will receive a 0.5cpl payment for April until December 2024.
For Year 2 and subsequent years, suppliers will receive 0.5cpl plus VAT each month and payment is based on the previous year’s data. In order to be eligible for the payment in Year 2 and subsequent years, suppliers must meet one compulsory measure (Bord Bia Sustainability Survey) and complete three out of the six remaining measures:
Compulsory measure:
- Complete Bord Bia Sustainability Survey annually
Complete at least three of the following from the below six measures:
- Complete four milk recordings per year.
- Use one tonne of Protected Urea per 100,000 litres of milk supplied.
- SCC below 150 or reduce by 5% annually.
- Attend a Water training event annually. - Use dairy bulls with a minimum EBI of €230 and beef bulls minimum DBI of €100.
- Genotype replacement heifer calves born in the herd each year.
For Year Two Compulsory Measure 1 must be completed before January 31st 2025 and three of the other six measures must have been completed by December 31st 2024. The Supplier must meet the qualifying criteria in full to be eligible for the payment.
Speaking about the new initiative, CEO of Aurivo Co-operative, Donal Tierney said: “Our 1,000 Aurivo milk suppliers are committed to producing the highest quality milk and protecting the environment so they can hand it down to the next generation. At Aurivo, we know we have an important role to play in supporting farmers on their sustainability journey and this new Sustainability Bonus acts as a means of acknowledging the work they are doing to enhance the environment whether that is through water quality management, biodiversity initiatives or improving herd efficiency.”
“The new payment is based off a robust series of measures to ensure farmers who receive the payment are taking tangible steps to reduce their carbon footprint and improve water quality. Aurivo milk advisors are on hand to support farmers every step of the way to ensure they get the most benefit from the programme.”
Raymond Barlow, Aurivo Chairman, stated: “The measures in the Aurivo Future Milk programme are aligned with the Teagasc MACC, Signpost and ASSAP programmes. I encourage all suppliers to enrol and engage with the programme.”
Aurivo suppliers interested in the bonus should email farmservices@aurivo.ie or contact their local Aurivo milk advisor.