Dairy industry on route to environmental success

A new report published today reveals further reductions in the environmental impact of the dairy industry. The expanded Dairy Roadmap report highlights the key achievements made since the launch of the Milk Roadmap in 2008.

The tremendous efforts made by dairy farmers, processors and retailers have been detailed in this latest Dairy Roadmap report. Key achievements include:

• 61% of dairy managed farmland has been entered into Environmental Stewardship Schemes which aim to encourage biodiversity (versus a target of 50%)

• More efficient water usage by dairy farmers through techniques such as re-using water from the milk cooling process, harvesting rainwater or installing bore-holes

• 96% of dairy farmers have manure management plans to reduce the use of artificial fertilisers

• Dairy processors have met their target for using 10% recycled plastic into milk bottles

• Over the last 10 years dairy processors have increased their energy efficiency by more than 27%, resulting in a reduction in annual green house gas emissions equivalent to approximately 270,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide

• Dairy processors establishing an environmental benchmarking tool which allows them to measure, monitor and compare performance in resource efficiency

• Most major retailers are working with their dairy farmer suppliers to measure and reduce their carbon footprints

• A number of retailers are implementing systems for reducing emissions arising from the transportation of milk

Speaking at the launch of the report at the House of Commons, Minister for Agriculture Jim Paice said: "It’s not easy being in this industry, but the people who produce, process and sell dairy products are continuing to lead the charge to becoming more sustainable. The Roadmap shows real achievements right across the board, from entering land into environmental stewardship to more efficient use of energy and water. There’s more that can be done, but the industry has shown that it’s up to the challenge and is providing a great example of the fact that collective action for change is every bit as effective as the heavy hand of regulation."

Mr Tim Bennett, chairman of the Roadmap taskforce said: "The achievements to date as set out in the report demonstrate the responsibility and ambition of our dairy sector.

"Great Britain provides a fantastic landscape to support a thriving dairy industry. We have been exemplary in tackling the environmental challenges but we are not complacent. We are fully committed to modifying and developing the Dairy Roadmap whilst continuing to deliver high-quality, excellent products enjoyed every day by consumers."