Holland Farm Ethiopia (free grazing dairy farm with outgrowers model) In Ethiopia, all commercial milk production is zero grazing, that means the cows are kept in the stable. Small numbers of milk cows are grazing on grass lands but the milk production of these cows is so low that it is used mainly for own consumption, with small amounts being sold raw on the local market. Notably, the conditions for open systems of dairy cattle breeding are very good in Ethiopia with respect to availability of large areas of grassland, climate and cow culture. Milk production from open grazing, though, is very low due to lack of knowledge about open grazing, depleted soil and low productivity of cows in terms of litres per day. As a consequence, the existing high demand for dairy products in Ethiopia is largely unmet.The project is located in Doba, a town south of Asella, and about 200 km south of Addis Ababa. The partners intend to start with 100 ha land.The applicant Okekoe is a farmer, specialised in cattle breeding and natural farming and grazing (SKAL-certified). The local partner Holland Dairy PLC, a milk processing company in Debre Zeit, participates in the joint venture as well.The project brings knowledge about open grazing, revitalisation of soil, improvement of the productivity of cows and better quality of milk. Apart from setting up their own dairy farm, the project supports small farmers to produce more and better milk. They are also developing proper logistics for transport of raw milk to a local milk factory.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The method of open, natural grazing is very environmentally friendly. The project will not only prevent environmental damage, it will actively seek to regenerate depleted soil on its own farm as well as support small farmers to do the same for their own plots of land. Other issues, like salaries, gender and prevention of child labour are also mentioned. There is no specific CSR policy and no certification or standard to be implemented.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsIntense training, good wages, bonus and health care provision.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeDue to improved milk practices the project will produce the best quality milk in the region. In addition, the open grazing and improved milk production are new for Ethiopia. All milk production at present is done in stables, so called zero-grazing. This improved milk production will require revitalisation of soil, training of farmers on hygiene and milking methods and introduction of better cow varieties. The project will also set up a demonstration farm and a collection centre for the milk of the small farmers, from where it can be transported to the milk factory. This creates the market link for the increased milk production and it guarantees an improved income for the small farmers through realisation of better prices and larger milk volumes. Note that the project will link with various schemes (in particular SNV EDGET) that are presently under development to create synergies.•	Chain effectsImpact on local suppliersLocal supply is needed for feed concentrates (like grains, grain mill waste) and for fuel, consumables, etc.25 Outgrowers will provide an estimated amount of 100,000 litres of milk during the project period. Another 100 farmers will be trained on improved farm methods. Note, however, that it will take time for farmers to be convinced of the benefits of this innovative approach and, consequently, to adapt their way of working. Therefore, not all trained farmers will adapt and supply milk during the project period. The outgrowers that do adapt their practices will potentially see their incomes from cows grow from an estimated 500 euro now to 1,600 euro in the third year of the project. In the years after the project period the farm income of individual farmers is expected to continue to grow to 3,000 euro per year.Impact on local customers or consumersThe availability, quality and safety of the milk products on the local market will improve.•	Impact on the sectorPotentially, all farmers in the region can benefit from this model through replication of the method. In addition, the project will cooperate with the Asela University and with SNV dairy programme, where it will fulfil a demonstration farm role.•	EnvironmentThrough its open and natural grazing the project will actively engage in regenerating depleted soil. As a result, biodiversity will benefit and natural resources will be conserved.•	Position of womenIn practice, the wives are operating the family farms in the rural areas and with more work for milk and feed production, the women will have more employment.•	Impact on food safetyRelatively small, as milk is a luxury good.•	Impact on waterOn a small scale, as it does contribute to efficiency of water use through irrigation, and makes available drinking water for the local community. To establish a free grazing dairy farm with a production of 500,000 litres of milk and to set up a Business Support Centre for local small farmers. They will collect and transport the milk from their own farm and the small farmers from Asela to Holland Da