Ben & Jerry's Doubles Vermont Dairy Buys to Aid Struggling Farms

Ben & Jerry's, the Vermont-born ice cream giant headquartered in South Burlington, announced plans to double its local dairy sourcing from state farms, a commitment first reported by Vermont Public. The expansion aims to bolster Vermont's dairy sector, which has lost over 15% of its farms since 2017 due to low milk prices and rising costs. Company officials emphasized the initiative ties directly to their **Caring Dairy** program, which partners with Vermont farmers to improve practices for healthier cows, thriving workers and environmental stewardship.

Through Caring Dairy, farmers meeting strict criteria—such as those for 'Farmer Stewards' and advanced 'Farmer Innovators'—receive premium payments while piloting innovations with the University of Vermont. The program, active primarily in Vermont, supports farms supplying milk for the company's St. Albans plant, which produces two-thirds of its global ice cream. This doubling of purchases could add millions to local economies, especially in dairy-heavy counties like Franklin and Addison, where farms like those in St. Albans face consolidation pressures.

The pledge arrives alongside a $14 million expansion at the St. Albans facility, including a 40,000-square-foot addition with a wastewater treatment plant, new warehouse and packaging room to boost production by 15-20% by November. While Ben & Jerry's sources from Caring Dairy farms amid criticism over non-organic feeds like GMO corn prevalent in 97% of Vermont's fields, the company maintains its standards prioritize sustainability. Vermont dairy leaders hailed the move as a lifeline, with advocates noting complementary efforts like Milk with Dignity partnerships in Addison County.