Document type : Press release from Swiss Milk
Author: Reto Burkhardt
Preview: Current federal and industry figures (2020) show an increase in participation in the Tapis Vert system [Swiss Sustainable Milk Standard, see here for more details on the standard] and a very high level of compliance with the main animal welfare requirements (SST, SRPA).
Swiss federal animal welfare measures such as regular outdoor exercise (SRPA), housing systems that are particularly animal-friendly (SST) and the grass-based milk and meat production programme (PLVH) all contribute to the Tapis Vert, or Green Carpet, the Swiss sector standard for sustainable milk (SSLDS). At the end of 2020, 11,003 dairy farms were signed up to the Tapis Vert in the Swiss milk database (dblait.ch). There was thus clearly an increase in the number of participants in 2020.
During the same period, 18,186 farms producing marketed milk, with a total of 494,710 dairy cows, were registered in the Federal Farm Register (FFR). Thus, just over 60% of commercial milk producers were registered with the Tapis Vert. In 2021, these farms will be inspected, usually in conjunction with other routine inspections.
Le niveau de bien-être animal continue son ascension
According to the latest figures from the Federation, 89% of farms, comprising 93% of the country's dairy cows, meet the Tapis Vert's essential animal welfare requirements (whether SST or SRPA). Here too, Swiss milk producers have risen a few percentage points since the Tapis Vert was introduced.