The Gold Standard Dairy Program was created to proactively address the concerns of consumers, retailers and processors who are interested in how food is produced.

“Dairy customers and consumers are increasingly interested in the process of how food is produced, and DFA wants to be proactive in acknowledging the quality with which DFA farms operate,” explains David Darr, DFA vice president, sustainability and public affairs. “It’s important as a supplier to be able to go to our customers and say that we know the milk they’re receiving meets a certain standard of quality.”

Based on on-site reviews conducted by DFA field staff, the Gold Standard Dairy program recognizes member farms that meet high standards in areas including animal well-being, environmental stewardship, employee training and milk safety and quality.