The project’s primary objectives are to define the term and aims of AT of the dairy sector for the different countries and afterward to identify effective agroecological practices for dairy farming and to develop strategies for their successful implementation. Therefore, initial activities will involve roundtable discussions with researchers, farmers, stakeholders, and political decision-makers to define "agroecological transition" and the aims, and set project milestones. The TEDY project will use ALLs, including research farm trials in some countries, to conduct longitudinal studies assessing the effects of AT in the dairy sector. Key metrics will include milk yield, feeding indicators, GHG emissions, on-farm biodiversity, resilience, and economic outcomes, all aligned with sector needs.

Key strategies include improving animal health and welfare, optimizing biomass throughput, reducing reliance on external resources (e.g., fertilizers, energy), and enhancing nutrient flows within the farming ecosystem. TEDY will also address socio-economic aspects. In the short term, TEDY will focus on laying the groundwork for long-term employment by introducing training programs, creating internship opportunities, and piloting initiatives that foster youth engagement and innovation, while also supporting women through improved working environments and access to Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies. Additionally, consumer surveys and stakeholder consultations will be conducted to promote societal acceptance of adapted systems and products, describing the effects on families' lives. The added value of this transnational collaboration lies in leveraging the unique strengths and expertise of each participating country. Additionally, TEDY will emphasize the co-creation of knowledge with farmers, ensuring that the solutions developed are practical and directly address the needs of those on the ground. This participatory approach will be crucial in building trust and ensuring the long-term adoption of sustainable practices. By focusing on these areas, TEDY aims to not only improve the sustainability of dairy farming but also enhance the overall quality of life for farming communities. The project’s efforts span multiple countries, collectively representing about 66% of all dairy cows in the EU, utilizing 43% of the agricultural landscape, and producing around 71,000,000 tons of milk, accounting for around 46% of EU production. Through these efforts, TEDY seeks to drive substantial positive change within the dairy sector.