University of Tartu and dairy producers' cooperative EPIKO signed framework agreement to promote research-based dairy production

At the end of November, the University of Tartu and the Commercial Association of Estonian Dairy Producers (EPIKO) signed a cooperation agreement to take research-based solutions and cutting-edge technology into everyday agriculture.

EPIKO, one of Estonia’s largest dairy cooperatives, brings together local producers to collectively market milk and develop the sector. The cooperation focuses on applying artificial intelligence (AI), digitising production and implementing environmentally friendly solutions to strengthen the competitiveness of Estonia’s dairy sector.

The signed framework agreement establishes a solid foundation for long-term partnership and takes the previous project-based collaboration to a new level. Through cooperation with the university, EPIKO sees an opportunity to access research-based solutions for digitisation, productivity improvement and quality enhancement. This will help EPIKO’s members address critical challenges in the sector and better meet market expectations and tightening requirements.

AI to assist milking robots

According to EPIKO’s representative Ülo Kivine, one of the most essential areas of cooperation is computer science, specifically the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture. Robotic milking systems are becoming a standard in modern farms, collecting large volumes of real-time data on milk yield, composition and animal behaviour. AI could analyse correlations between feeding, animal health and production, and provide systematic recommendations for improving productivity. Early detection of anomalies helps maintain milk quality and supports preventive management, enabling problems to be anticipated and avoided rather than simply reacted to.

From cow to shop shelf

In addition to increasing productivity, joint efforts will also focus on environmental protection. For example, digitisation can help find new solutions to reduce emissions, which is the basis for ESG reporting (assessing a company’s impact related to environmental, social and governance issues) and EU sustainability certifications. In the future, the systems being developed will enable full traceability across the supply chain, increasing consumer trust and improving cooperation between producers and industry.

The collaboration benefits both parties: the university gains the opportunity to test and validate its research and development in a real agricultural environment, while EPIKO’s members gain access to the latest research-based solutions. In addition to joint research projects, plans include university-wide training sessions, webinars and pilot projects.