Ben & Jerry’s, the iconic ice cream brand owned by Unilever, has formed a new Dairy Advisory Council to usher in more sustainable dairy sourcing.

The Council brings together experts in environmental health, animal protection, Lake Champlain water quality, and organic farming to help the company achieve its newly refined Values-Led Dairy Vision.

The vision is that all dairy used in the manufacture of the company’s products will be sourced from farms which have exception animal welfare standards for cows; thriving livelihoods for farmers and farm workers; feed grown without harmful chemicals or GMOs, and carbon reduction methods.

“While we’re proud of the progress we’ve made over the past decade in helping farmers build soil health, improve animal welfare and increase the sustainability of their farms through our industry-leading Caring Dairy program, we know there is still a long way to go in achieving our vision,” said Dave Rapaport, Ben & Jerry’s Global Social Mission Officer.

“This new, independent council will provide ideas and advice as we develop a long-term roadmap for our goals, with objectives and milestones along the way.”

Each member of the Dairy Advisory Council has been chosen for his or her expertise in a certain field and has been encouraged to challenge Ben & Jerry’s assumptions and approach.

“We expect this knowledgeable group of external stakeholders will keep us focused on our commitments and help us hold ourselves accountable,” said Ben & Jerry’s Values-Led Sourcing Manager, Cheryl Pinto.

“We’re proud of the work Vermont dairy farmers have done with Ben & Jerry’s, and we know we have a long way to go to achieve our vision.

“Dairy farmers are facing increasingly complex issues and we recognize the need for the Council’s advice and insight in helping us build a program which brings about beneficial outcomes for all.”

The Council’s first meeting was held earlier this week.