ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the recent trajectory of the German dairy industry with a specific focus on the coastal regions in the northwest and, based on this, to map out urgent needs and possible directions of transitions towards more sustainable production systems. It aims to contribute to the multi-faceted "geography of sustainability transitions", while focusing on coastal regions in general and coastal agriculture in particular. The chapter presents the specific approach of Molkerei Ammerland, a medium-sized co-operative dairy firm located in the wider coastal area of Lower Saxony. The strategy of Molkerei Ammerland has undoubtedly succeeded so far in achieving added value, while at the same time ensuring higher payout prices for the participating dairy farmers. This may contribute to consolidating the regional dairy farm sector, which is otherwise strongly threatened by adverse economic conditions shaping the dairy market in Germany for many years.
