TransformDairyNet: Working together to upscale Cow-Calf-Contact dairy production and beyond

TransformDairyNet will harness the expertise of 26 European partners to create 11 National Innovation Practice Hubs and a European Knowledge and Innovation Network of dairy farmers, veterinarians, advisors, supply chain actors, farmer organisations, researchers and policy makers, to work together to upscale cow calf contact (CCC) dairy production and beyond. Keeping cows and calves together for months rather than the usual hours/days promotes health, growth and normal, pleasurable behaviour, and is the most consumer accepted ethical practice for increasing the sustainability of dairy systems in line with the Green Deal. TransformDairyNet aims to accelerate the adoption of CCC orientated-practice through: (1) compiling existing knowledge and identifying end-user needs; (2) co-creating new CCC knowledge–generating ideas and solutions; (3) sharing knowledge ready for practice, and (4) CCC legacy and tools for transforming systems. Through a multi-actor approach, TransformDairyNet will bring science and practice together to create a comprehensive CCC knowledge map, champion farmer-led innovation and share practice to upskill European dairy farmers and advisors at differences stages of adoption. TransformDairyNet will build resilience and normalise and spread CCC practice by co-creating harmonised, farmer–facing tools, materials and peer-to-peer activities, leveraging trusted channels and networks and engaging with existing and new dairy and CCC focused EIP-AGRI Operational Groups. TransformDairyNet will work with EU FarmBook to maintain the Knowledge and Innovation Networks beyond the project as a community of practice, able to pivot to other issues for the continued transition to sustainable dairy production into the future. Looking forward, TransformDairyNet will provide insights and recommendations for the acceleration of other novel agricultural practices with high citizen and practitioner demand, through reflecting on the thematic network processes.