Green issues still a priority

Sustainability is still a key issue for the dairy sector, Dairy UK told a conference of industry leaders in Dublin yesterday.

Tough economic times and weaker dairy markets must not undermine constant improvements to the dairy industry’s environmental impact, said Environment Manager Fergus McReynolds at the Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Development conference.

Pointing to a 20% cut in processors’ primary energy use since 2000 and similar strides forward on farm, he said: "We have done much in the dairy sector to undermine the claims of a vocal minority that livestock is bad for the environment. But there are other compelling reasons to keep improving our performance.

"Dairy processors are saving money by reducing waste, energy use and water use. Better cow genetics and improved practice on farm have made producers more efficient as well, reducing carbon emissions and removing cost. In fact, a recent independent study confirmed that dairy production contributes less than 3% of UK greenhouse gas emissions.

"But consumer interest in green issues is set to continue. That’s why the UK dairy industry is working, in collaboration with Government, on a whole range of environmental initiatives, from anaerobic digestion to carbon footprinting and consumer education.

"The right environmental measures also make sense economically and serve to ensure that sustainability works for everyone in the chain."