In Germany organizations representing agriculture, the dairy industry and the food retail have succeeded in defining the animal welfare program QM+, which since April 1, can be found on dairy products in retail stores. The new QM+ label from QM-Milch e.V. stands for strictly controlled animal welfare in the cow barn. It corresponds with more space and welfare for the animals. Participation in QM+ proves that additional criteria for animal welfare and animal health are actually met on the farms and are strictly controlled by independent certification agencies. The aim is to constantly improve animal welfare in order to make it even more of a basis for action for farmers. If their milk is QM+ certified, they will receive an animal welfare bonus of the order of 1.2 eurocent per kilogram milk.