Our farmers
With heart and hands for the best milk quality
Behind every liter of milk, every cup of yogurt and every piece of butter, there are people who work with dedication and love for what they do. 365 days a year, in all weather conditions, the farming families belonging to the Vipiteno Dairy Cooperative care for their animals and manage their farms—many of them for generations.
These farmers are not suppliers; they are members of our cooperative. Partners on equal footing. And together we are shaping the future of Alpine agriculture.
>500
farming families
119
of them are certified organic farms
40 km
is the radius within which most of our members live and work
A cross-border partnership on equal footing: the “Milk Marriage”
Our farmers are part of a strong community. An important element is the so-called “Milk Marriage”: it stands for long-term, contractually regulated cooperation across the Brennero, the border. Since April 1, 2014, farmers from the northern Wipptal and the Stubai Valley have also been delivering their milk to Vipiteno. The basis for this is a supply agreement between the Vipiteno Dairy Cooperative and the Wipptal–Stubai Dairy Cooperative.
Many bureaucratic hurdles had to be overcome, and we also addressed the concerns and fears of the affected farmers, but thanks to the committed cooperation of everyone involved, today we can look with hope toward our shared future.
Organic farms: responsibly organic
A growing share of our members relies on organic farming. They operate according to strict guidelines and pay attention to closed cycles on the farm. Among other things, they completely avoid silage feed as well as chemical-synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Organic milk is collected and processed separately, contributing to our organic product range.
Get to know our organic farmers in the farmer portraits:
The challenge of mountain farming
Our farms are located in Alpine valleys, often on steep slopes. This makes the use of machinery difficult and sometimes dangerous. Many tasks therefore require strong practical skills, experience and a high degree of flexibility. At the same time, these conditions help ensure that farms are preserved and remain closely connected to their surroundings. This creates a cultural landscape that has been cared for for centuries—and forms the livelihood of our members.
Responsibility—designed for generations
Sustainable farming is an integral part of our farmers’ work. Careful animal husbandry, fresh feed and respectful treatment of animals and nature are reflected in the quality of the milk.
