The European Dairy Industry Fully Endorses and Supports Animal Welfare
EDA outlines the European dairy industry's commitment to animal welfare, highlighting continuous improvement, evidence-based practices, animal health, precision monitoring, welfare assessment, and collaboration across the dairy value chain.
European Dairy Association
Animal welfare is a fundamental component of a responsible and sustainable dairy industry. In its June 2026 factsheet, The European Dairy Industry Fully Endorses and Supports Animal Welfare, the European Dairy Association outlines the sector's commitment to high standards of animal care and continuous improvement.
The European dairy industry works with approximately 700,000 farmers across the European Union and processes milk and dairy ingredients through around 12,000 plants. EDA emphasizes that dairy cows, as well as sheep, goats, and buffaloes, are sentient animals that deserve high standards of care and respect.
The publication presents animal welfare as more than an ethical responsibility. According to EDA, healthy and well-cared-for animals contribute to resilient farms, productive systems, high-quality dairy products, and public confidence in the sector. Strong animal health management, disease prevention, appropriate nutrition, and responsible care can also contribute to resource efficiency and reduced reliance on antibiotics.
EDA highlights several areas where the industry is working toward continuous improvement, including:
- Precision livestock monitoring for early detection of health and behavioural changes
- Welfare-focused breeding strategies
- Access to pasture and comfortable housing systems
- Regular welfare assessments using scientifically validated indicators
- Training and certification for animal handlers and farm managers
The European Dairy Association also participates in the EU Platform on Animal Welfare and maintains an Animal Welfare Task Force, providing a platform for the dairy industry's contribution to the development of science-based, practical, and economically sustainable animal welfare policies.
The factsheet highlights the connection between animal welfare, human wellbeing, and environmental health through the One Welfare and One Health perspectives. EDA also identifies animal welfare as a core component of the Global Dairy Sustainability Framework and the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform.
The publication showcases examples of animal welfare commitments and practices across European dairy companies and associations. These include farm-level welfare assessments, restrictions on certain
practices, improved housing conditions, animal health monitoring, and investment in farmer training and innovation.
EDA concludes by supporting the harmonisation of animal welfare rules across the European Union and advocating for equivalent standards for imported products. The association argues that consistent standards can help create a level playing field while supporting high welfare expectations across global dairy supply chains.