Housing system level 3 includes, among other things, access to outdoor climate stimuli as well as enhanced requirements for space allocation and animal management. The basis is provided by the criteria of the “Haltungsform” system along with additional specifications such as the QM++ module of QM-Milch e.V., which defines further requirements for housing and management.

Following the complete conversion of its drinking milk range, additional products in the white and yellow dairy segments have also been adjusted accordingly. The transition was carried out gradually along the value chain.

Participating agricultural businesses receive a premium of 3 cents per kilogram of raw milk (including the VLOG premium). This is intended to compensate for the additional effort required to meet the higher standards.

In addition to farms in Germany, members of the Dutch cooperative DOC Kaas U.A. are also integrated into the program. Participation requires, among other things, certification under the QM++ module, which defines criteria such as access to outdoor climate conditions and additional animal husbandry requirements, forming the basis for classification in housing system level 3.

The conversion takes place in the context of changing market requirements in the retail sector. In particular, the availability of products from higher housing systems has increased in recent years, especially in private label segments. DMK Group has adjusted its product range accordingly and expanded its offering of products from housing system level 3.

Implementation involves additional requirements for participating farms, particularly in the areas of animal husbandry, documentation, and certification. The aim is to reflect these requirements through appropriate marketing opportunities in the market.