Main complex environmental challenges at dairy farm level and possible solutions are being presented in this new IDF survey. Agriculture plays a crucial role in providing the ultimate solution to feed, to provide clean water and to fuel the world within a managed global but changing climate according to the latest IDF Bulletin entitled "Environmental issues at dairy farm level".
The global dairy sector, and IDF as its global representative, has placed environmental considerations at the top of their priorities. "IDF is taking a pro-active approach to support sustainable agriculture by identifying best practices and sharing international experiences. Our objective is to ensure the production of safe and high quality nutritious dairy food for human consumption, undertaken in harmony with the environment." commented Richard Doyle, IDF President.
There are a number of examples from around the world that show how dairy farming is working to improve its environmental footprint. The IDF Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practices sets out a number of measures to ensure a basic level of protection.
The "First IDF Dairy Farming Summit" under the theme "Climate Change - The Heat is On?" debated thoroughly global warming, its impact on dairy farming and how dairy farming affects the environment.
IDF recently participated with 6 other international organizations in the launch of the Global Dairy Agenda for Action; a declaration of the industry’s commitment to making positive contributions to global action in addressing climate change. The declaration also includes the Green Paper, a compilation of 299 international initiatives where dairy industry stakeholders from over 40 countries have addressed environmental practices and impacts. One tool facilitates the access to best initiatives is the IDF website www.dairysustainabilityinitiative.org which is open and available to all.
In parallel, IDF will soon release a carbon footprint methodology presenting harmonized practical recommendations in the calculation of a dairy product carbon footprint.