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INVOLVING OUR PARTNERS
Involving our partners in
sustainable development
Bel’s corporate social responsibility policy is designed around fi ve key pillars that refl ect the
Group’s commitments to its stakeholders. Just as Bel encourages its employees to get involved
in its sustainable development project, it seeks to share its goals and convictions with its
partners to support common efforts and broaden the positive impact.
Each year, Bel buys 1.6 billion
liters of milk directly from
producers in the dairy basins
where it operates, primarily in
France and the Netherlands,
but also in Portugal, Slovakia
and Ukraine. As a major player in those
markets, Bel works to build and maintain
durable relations with its suppliers.
1.6 billion
liters of milk collected
directly from producers
in 2011
32 • Groupe Bel 2011
Maintaining relations
with dairy producers
In France in particular, the goal is
to encourage a sustainable dairy
production channel in which producers
can improve the management of
their dairy farms and better preserve
the environment.
All of the Group’s dairy suppliers adhere
to the Best Farming Practices Charter,
which was revised in 2011 to include
new demands for personal safety
and environmental protection.
Long-term support
As part of its commitment to dairy
producers, Bel makes dairy production
technicians available to producers
to help them manage their farms.
With their knowledge of best farming
practices, the technicians can shed
light on complementary dairy practices
and technics for producers. In particular,
Bel encourages the use of a tracking tool
that has been adopted by its suppliers in
the Netherlands. Based on discussions
with the producer, the tracking tool