Milk production is one of the major agricultural and economic activities of the Atlantic Area, and represents 30% of the production of the European Union. However, systems of intensive farming produce quantitatively significant waste flows of nitrogen and phosphor, which contribute to the pollution of beaches and estuaries and which therefore constitute an obstacle for the tourism sector. In order to put together and popularise systems of milk production which are more sustainable and which better respect the environment, the GREEN DAIRY project is intended to create a network of exchange of engineers, technicians and stock-raisers at the level of the Atlantic Area. Following studies based on traditional milk production systems, innovatory practices and systems which respect the environment will be tested in networks of pilot farms. The results obtained will then be analysed and broadcast in order to promote good practices in the sector of milk production. Achievements: ✔ Diagnostic of the spread of excess nitrogen in experimental farms in the 9 regions of the partnership: Definition of a common protocol for the study taking into account the different systems (cattle – surface areas) in the partnership. Measurements, calculations and analysis of the flow of nitrogen, mineral assessment and consumption of energy and pesticides. Data collection, drafting of the summary. Final seminar in Nantes. ✔ Mapping and modelling of risk factors: environments, surfaces and practices on different scales (town, region, drainage basins). Tests of the N Gauge models in experimental farms. ✔ Improvement plans made in pilot farms in nine regions: Concerted definitions and proposals (researchers-technicians-breeders), implementing improvement projects for managing effluents. Final seminar and regional information day in Rennes. ✔ Evaluation of the impact of improved practices in dairy farms on the nitrate content of surface waters (mapping). ✔ Beginnings of a mini European network on the subject of Dairy systems and the environment sharing the tools and skills (several members of the Green dairy partnership have continued to work together with national funding). ✔ 85 training sessions attended by more than 7,000 participants: workshops, farm visits, presentation of a typical breeding farm with its improvement plans, etc. ✔ Communication actions aimed at stock breeders in the regions of the partnership and western Europe, the scientific community, the administrations concerned by environment issues and the general public: ✔ 1 presentation leaflet for the project in 5 languages, 22 brochures and leaflets published by the partnership members ✔ 11 scientific articles and 1 book: Humphreys J, Lawless A. (2006) A guide to the management of white clover in grassland, Moorepark ✔ 33 press articles (The Scottish farmer, Farmers Guardian, Cap élevage, Agriculture 44, Réussir Lait Elevage, Ouest France, Pastos, etc.) ✔ 1 television programme (Labranza, Televisión de Galicia) ✔ The partnerships members attended 6 European seminars and organised the final seminar for the project. ✔ 1 website : http://www.inst-elevage.asso.fr/greendairy/