Arla Foods governance is currently organised into four owner areas, 111 districts, 14 regions, a Board of Representatives, and a Board of Directors.

During the transition period, the democratic structures and processes in DMK and DOC Kaas will gradually merge towards Arla Foods model. 

Currently, there are 175 farmer owners in the Board of Representatives. From the beginning of the transition period, the DMK and DOC Kaas farmer owners will be entitled to appoint an additional 25 farmer owners to the Board of Representatives. This will increase the total number of farmer owners in the Board of Representatives to 200. 

Currently, there are 14 farmer owners in the Board of Directors. From the beginning of the transition period, the DMK and DOC Kaas farmer owners will be entitled to appoint an additional 3 farmer owners to the Board of Directors. This will increase the total number of farmer owners in the Board of Directors to 17.

From election year 2028 for the Board of Representatives and from election year 2032 for the Board of Directors, the farmer owners formerly from DMK and DOC Kaas will get influence in Arla Foods based on their consolidated capital in Arla Foods.

Key decision mandates to sit with the Board of Directors, Board of Representatives, and Management from day one of the transition period.

All of the above is subject to approval by the relevant cooperative bodies in June.