Cooperative: 27 organic farms, one dairy farm, and zero compromise on quality

How the Danish model of cooperative organic production combines sustainability, innovation, and premium products: a meeting with Lasse Bage from Øllingegaard&Naturmælk. At the invitation of DG Agri, we visited Denmark, where we met with Lasse Bage – R&D manager at the unified structure of Øllingegaard Mejeri and Naturmælk. He spoke about the transformation that some of the country's most emblematic organic dairies are undergoing, as well as their vision for a sustainable future. From two dairies to a joint organic cooperative In 2017, Sønderjyske Naturmælk and Øllingegaard Mejeri (founded in 1995) merged into the cooperative De Økologiske Mejerier. Although Øllingegaard retains partial independence, the merger allows for more efficient administration, synergies between teams, and optimized use of milk production resources, Bage explained. Starting with a few small farms, today the structure includes 27 farms, all with organic production. Circular production system — milk within ...