Milk industry 'smashes' target for reducing carbon footprint

7th August 2009, 9:49am

The dairy industry looks set to smash targets for cutting the impact producing dairy products has on the environment.

One year after launching the Milk Roadmap, first indications are that the industry is well on the way towards the first set of milestones in 2010.

Farming minister, Jim Fitzpatrick said: "This has been a tough year for people in the dairy industry, but that hasn't dented their determination to cut its impact on the environment.

"In the future, all our food industries are going to need to do more to meet the challenges of climate change and conserving and preserving our natural resources. The dairy industry has shown what can be done in a short time, and has set a clear benchmark for other food businesses.

Dairy producers committed to have half of dairy managed farmland in Environmental Schemes by 2010 and have already hit 45%, one year ahead of schedule.

Milk processors are working with partners in the supply chain and are on track to incorporate 10% of recycled plastic into milk bottles by the end of 2010.

Nearly half of dairy farmers have a Nutrient Management Plan which looks promising for their 2010 target of 65%. Enormous strides have been made with water conservation – with over 70 per cent of farmers questioned in a recent water survey making changes to the management of clean water on their farms.

Retailers have also been doing their bit to ensure that their stores and logistics operations become more energy efficient. One major supermarket has slashed in store energy use by 50 per cent since 2000.

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