THE NETHERLANDS – Legislation has been introduced that requires all milk production farms to be certified under a quality programme.

The move is aimed at creating more transparency and quality assurance in national milk production.

The programme affects all 10.7 million tonnes of milk delivered to processors every year by Dutch farmers.

Without the new quality milk chain (KKM) certificate, which lays down strict rules for production hygiene, veterinary procedures, housing and even animal welfare on the farm, farmers will no longer be allowed to supply milk for human consumption.