UK farmer-owned co-operative First Milk has published a new white paper, From principles to proof: why measurable outcomes matter in regenerative dairy, setting out why regenerative farming must move beyond practice adoption and be understood as an operating model for resilient food production. First Milk launched its regenerative farming programme in 2021, which has developed into involving around 700 dairy farmer members across Great Britain.

Five years on, its programme now includes farm-level regenerative scoring, digital field mapping, intervention recording and a member payment structure that recognises regenerative performance. First Milk is also working with independent specialists to measure and evidence outcomes.

The white paper calls for longer-term partnerships between farmers and supply chain partners, using outcome data to guide investment, share risk and reward progress. It says this is how regenerative farming moves from ambition to proof, building supply chain resilience, allowing customers and consumers to make informed choices, and creating value across the food chain.

Meanwhile, First Milk also launched a £16.8 million (€19.5m) investment project at its Lake District Creamery, which follows previous investment totalling £30 million at the site in recent years. It is replacing the existing cheese vats with new, larger vats as part of a significant upgrade to the creamery’s production capabilities. Once complete, the investment will increase production capacity by a further 20%.

The multi-million-pound project will span two financial years and is designed to support the efficient production of high-quality cheddar cheese and dairy ingredients, while strengthening the creamery’s long-term operational resilience and future growth potential, it says.