Arla Foods will continue its annual contribution of around SEK 9.5 million to the Swedish foundation SLF, which each year distributes between SEK 65 million and SEK 75 million to research into the competitiveness and sustainability of farming.

Arla Foods has renewed its funding agreement with the Swedish Farmers’ Foundation for Agricultural Research (SLF), securing continued annual support of around SEK 9.5 million for research aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of Swedish dairy production.

Marita Wolf, a board member of both Arla and SLF, describes research as one of the most important investments the dairy industry can make in its future.

“Research is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of dairy farming. By continuing to support the Swedish Farmers’ Foundation for Agricultural Research, Arla’s farmer-owners are helping to develop new solutions that enhance the competitiveness, sustainability and profitability of Swedish dairy farms,” she said.

Farmers behind the majority of funding
SLF is funded primarily by Swedish farmers through voluntary contributions collected via 48 member organisations, including Arla. Each year, the foundation distributes between SEK 65 million and SEK 75 million to new research and development projects. More than 70 per cent of its funding comes from voluntary farmer contributions, whilst the remaining 30 per cent is provided through public co-financing from the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (Formas).

Mathilda Hollertz, Chief Executive Officer of SLF, highlights the long-term commitment as essential for research that delivers practical benefits on farms.

“It is both encouraging and highly important for the profitability of dairy businesses that Arla has chosen to extend its agreement with SLF. Long-term commitments of this kind provide the stable funding needed for research that delivers practical benefits on farms,” she said.

By Lene Mikkelsen Walsh – edited by Maja Løvstrup
Photo: Arla Foods