The United States dairy industry plans to contain milk production's carbon footprint and improve its business value.
The plan - adopted by about 250 leaders representing milk producers, processors, government agencies, university workers and non-governmental organizations - focuses on efficiencies and innovations that are financially viable and will control greenhouse gas emissions while supporting dairy industry growth.
Sustainability is an industry-wide challenge and requires industry-wide solutions, said Tom Gallagher, chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc (DMI).
The plan approved at an industry summit last month brings people together across the industry to identify "concrete, innovative solutions" he said.
"This will ensure an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable industry."
The announcement said summit attendees recommended a number of action steps, including:
* decreasing energy use in the milk production system by developing next-generation milk production and processing technologies at farms and plants;
* developing best management practices and tools that calculate energy use and alternative energy opportunities for farms and plants to decrease carbon emissions and more efficiently use energy;
* establishing mechanisms for carbon credit trading to encourage reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;
* supplying "green power" to communities by expanding the use of methane digesters; and
* reducing cooling costs and emissions associated with refrigeration by developing innovative dairy products.
In addition to DMI, also committed to the plan are the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), representing dairy cooperatives, and the International Dairy Foods Assn. (IDFA), representing dairy processors.
"Sustainability practices have long been common practices on dairy farms, from recycling manure and water to crop technologies that improve soil and prevent erosion," NMPF chief executive Jerry Kozak said.
However, given global climate change and record-high energy prices, "we must do more," he said.
"It makes sense to find ways to conserve energy and reduce production costs while recognising that a growing number of consumers care deeply about the healthfulness and environmental impact of the products they buy," he said.
Consumers "need to know that the dairy industry contributes not only to their own health and wellness but is also committed to preserving the health of the Earth," added IDFA president Connie Tipton.
Ideas and initiatives put forward at the summit will be refined by a multi-stakeholder task force, field tested, evaluated for their economic viability and environmental sustainability and shared with the industry to encourage reductions in emissions and energy, the announcement said.
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