Increased Requirements for Water Quality in PlanetProof Milk

The requirements for PlanetProof milk will be adjusted starting in 2025. The new steps involve improvements in animal welfare, climate, and nature. This will also affect the requirements for drinking water.

What is 'On the way to PlanetProof'?

On the way to PlanetProof is an independent certification that is widely seen in supermarkets. This certification proves that a product has been sustainably produced. By purchasing these products, consumers demonstrate that they are making a better choice for nature, the climate, and animals. Farmers who are allowed to use this certification on their products must comply with strict requirements [1]. This contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The certification applies to various products, including eggs, dairy, vegetables, fruits, trees, and flower bulbs.

PlanetProof Milk  

Together with "On the way to PlanetProof," dairy farmers are taking steps to make their production more sustainable and animal-friendly. The certification sets various requirements that contribute to the welfare and health of the cows [2]. These can include aspects such as the barn, lying places, cow brushes, and other facilities. Before dairy farmers can sell their milk with the PlanetProof label, they must meet these requirements. The milk from each cow is tested at least every six weeks [2]. This also helps determine the health of the udder. Additionally, the farmers, in collaboration with the veterinarian, monitor the health and well-being of the animals, including their diet, water intake, and milking.

Increased Requirements for Monitoring Water Quality 

The requirements for PlanetProof milk are periodically revised by the Board of Experts for Animal Products [3]. The College seeks a new balance between animal welfare, climate, and nature. One of the significant updates to the requirements for PlanetProof milk is an annual analysis of water quality [4]. Testing the cows' drinking water ensures its quality, taste, and availability. These aspects are crucial for ensuring that the animals consume enough water and remain healthy [5].

The requirements for good drinking water for dairy cattle in the new certification scheme are:

Further instructions:

• The water samples taken must comply with the sampling guidelines in Appendix 6.
• Samples are taken from the water trough/drinking trough.
• At least 1 sample per animal category: lactating cows, dry cows, and young stock.
  • The samples have been analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the RvA for NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025 in the field of drinking water.
• If one or more samples do not meet the standard, the issues must be addressed and new samples must be taken and analyzed within three months until all samples are within the standard.

Improving Water Quality with Watter

If water quality is poor, it needs to be improved and there are various ways to do so. You have a range of disinfection methods to choose from to apply to your drinking water. The disadvantage of many of these disinfection methods is that they are often not safe for humans and animals. Harmful chemicals are also bad for the environment. With the Watter System, you can disinfect in a sustainable way and produce on-site (in situ). Our disinfectant contains HOCl, the active substance that safely and effectively combats microorganisms in drinking water. This is the alternative to disinfectants based on harmful chemicals.

References: 

1. https://www.planetproof.eu/en/consumer/about-on-the-way-to-planetproof/
2. https://www.planetproof.eu/en/consumer/products/milk/
3. https://www.smk.nl/en/about-smk/boards-of-experts/board-of-experts-animal-products/
4. https://www.melkveebedrijf.nl/melkveebedrijf/melkwinning/strengere-eisen-voor-melkveehouders-met-planetproof-melk/
5. https://www.gddiergezondheid.nl/nl/Diergezondheid/Management/Drinkwater