Our milk resource advisors are close to producers in the field. They offer their expertise on subjects such as animal feed and care, the design of cowsheds, equipment maintenance, milk quality control and farm management more generally.

More than 4 billion liters of cow s, goat s and ewe s milk are collected from 12,000 producers worldwide. We work together for the long term and strive to progress with regard to our environmental challenges. Our partnerships include the provision of advice and training to implement best farming practices, produce quality milk and improve farm operation and management.

ALONGSIDE PRODUCERS FOR HIGH QUALITY MILK

BUILDING THE MILK INDUSTRY OF THE FUTURE

COMBINING SAFETY AND ECOLOGY

France accounts for 75% of the Group s milk collection. In 2016, the teams charged with milk procurement were united under the Savencia Ressources Laitières banner and entity. As such, they are the preferred contacts for the Producer Organizations and Cooperatives which supply them with milk. The 15 Producer Organizations represent 2,700 producers located in the milk collection zones surrounding our dairy and cheese plants. Our contractual relationships include a Master Contract with each Producer Organization and application contracts with each individual producer. The latter set out requirements for quality, and the associated controls, and provide details for managing milk volumes and determining the milk price.

Supporting young producers We support new producers setting up by providing them with the allocation of a production volume, financial support of up to 7,500, a guaranteed margin for the first three years and ongoing training. In 2016, we implemented a support program for developing goat farming.

Milk is collected from each farm between 120 and 180 times per year. A transport protocol is developed for each farm so that milk can be safely collected. The preparation of such a protocol is mandatory for all producers in France. Its aim is to enable our tankers to access farms milk tanks and turn around (if necessary) without endangering persons, animals or equipment. Our drivers are trained in eco-driving and in best hygiene practices for milk collection.

RESPONSIBLE DAIRY FARMS

THE BEST PRACTICE GUIDE FOR MILK TRUCK DRIVERS A tool for collecting milk safely and preserving milk quality.

ENTREPRENEURS TOGETHER

36 2016 ANNUAL REPORT