Can mountain milk create more value?
Norway has a long tradition of summer farming and grazing livestock on mountain pastures. At the same time, many dairy farms in mountain regions face important investment decisions in the years ahead. Finding new ways to increase the value of mountain milk is therefore relevant for farmers, the dairy industry and society alike.
Most mountain milk is currently processed through conventional dairy supply chains. Experiences from other European mountain regions show, however, that mountain-based production systems can provide a foundation for distinctive, high-value dairy products.
Multi-actor approach from mountain pasture to markets
The project examines the entire value chain, from mountain-based milk production and raw material flows to processing, products and markets. We map production, resources and existing supply chains in the region, while also exploring how mountain milk value chains are organised in other European mountain areas.
Combining expertise in agriculture, food systems, industrial production and value creation, Fjellmjølk investigates the opportunities, barriers and business models that could enable seasonal processing of mountain milk. Through a multi-actor approach involving farmers, dairy companies, business development organisations, public authorities and researchers, the project develops a shared knowledge base on how mountain milk can create added value throughout the value chain and contribute to sustainable development in mountain regions.
The project will deliver an open-access knowledge base and provide a foundation for future research and innovation initiatives.
