Compassion in World Farming celebrated its Farm Animal Welfare Awards (FAWA) at a ceremony in Brussels recently. A total of 44 winners (19 from China) were recognised for their leadership in driving higher welfare standards, pioneering nature-friendly farming practices and helping build a more resilient food system. Since its launch in 2007, the awards programme has helped drive changes that are set to benefit over 1.6 billion animals each year, the organisation says.

Three European businesses were recognised for their work with dairy cows. The UK’s Ethical Dairy was presented with a Higher Welfare Award (Dairy Cows and Calves). Every calf born at Rainton Farm stays with its mother for up to six months rather than being separated shortly after birth. The cows are milked once a day with the farm sharing the milk with the calf. The farm operates as a low intensity, agroecological dairy system with a herd that is 100% pasture-fed and certified organic.

Netherlands-based De Fryske Cheese was also recognised with a Higher Welfare Award (Dairy Cows and Calves). As an independent frontrunner in the Dutch dairy sector, De Fryske has demonstrated that higher animal welfare can be successfully embedded within a commercially viable dairy supply chain. Its approach includes providing dairy cows with pasture access and a comfortable living environment, while working to ensure all calves are reared in social groups in higher welfare systems. By rewarding farmers for going beyond conventional welfare standards, the company is proving that better outcomes for animals can create value throughout the supply chain and inspire wider change across the dairy sector.

Catharinus Wierda, founder and CEO, De Fryske, says, “As a small, headstrong cheese maker from Friesland, we believe farming close to nature means taking care of cows, soil and biodiversity. Together with our farmers, we show that higher animal welfare, permanent grasslands and thriving meadow birds can produce great cheese. This award gives our small movement a bigger voice.”

Finally, Agrocoop from Poland earned a Higher Welfare Award (Dairy Cows) for its soon-to-launch premium dairy brand that places higher animal welfare and increased pasture access at the heart of its production. Through this initiative, the company is bringing together animal welfare, responsible land stewardship and full product traceability, demonstrating how the future of dairy farming can create value for animals, farmers and consumers.