IDM ¦ IDF Column
Delivering global
dairy sustainability
Author: Dr María Sánchez Mainar, DMV, PhD,
IDF Science and Standards Programme Manager
22 · June/July 2020 ¦ international-dairy.com
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Finding new ways to reduce impact on environment, manage
resources efficiently and increase benefits to biodiversity
and bioeconomy is a crucial part of the long-term
commitment made by the dairy sector for continuous improvement.
Launched in June 2020, the 3rd edition of IDF’s Dairy Sustainability
Outlook is the latest contribution by the International Dairy
Federation (IDF) to share sustainability best practice within the sector.
Featuring contributions from 18 countries around the world,
the report showcases ongoing activities and the latest initiatives to
ensure sustainable dairy, including new approaches to agriculture,
quality education, improved milk quality, development of rural areas
through dairying, strong international cooperation and climate
commitment achievements.
These include sustainability knowledge transfer between Denmark
and China; how the Milky Way Partnership is helping deliver
on the UN’s sustainable development goals; how Israeli dairy experts
are transforming the dairy sector in the Atlántico Departmental
region in Colombia.
A case study in India shows how the establishment of an efficient
manure value chain can provide fuel needs and provide a
stable income for dairy farmers. In Brazil, anaerobic bio-digestion
of livestock manure is shown to produce clean energy and reduce
soil and water contamination, while in Sweden, the report looks at
largest single undertaking to reduce losses of nutrients to air and
water from livestock and crop production.
The report shows how the Belgian retail trade with the support
of the Belgian government are helping Belgian consumers move
towards an even healthier lifestyle, with the development of dairy
products with very little or no added sugar. Another example looks
at how the Russian dairy sector is making rural areas a truly attractive
place to live for young families, supporting the demand for
skilled dairy industry workers through the local population.
Different practical solutions for the sector to meet the environmental
challenges of reducing greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions,
increasing carbon capture, improving water quality, while
protecting and improving biodiversity are showcased, along with
how Ireland is continuing its reduction in the already low emissions
intensity of dairy production, which can be assessed by their
carbon navigator tool. Additionally, seven case studies inspire the
reader with different practical solutions for the sector to meet the
environmental challenges.
The 3rd edition also provides an example of how COVID-19 has
impacted dairy and outlines the measures taken in France to maintain
the activity of the sector.
Scientific editor of the report
Dr María Sánchez Mainar, DMV, PhD:
“Sustainable development is a collective effort that depends on
collaboration between governments, international organizations,
and the private sectors, along with individuals. The 3rd edition of
IDF’s Dairy Sustainability is a valuable continuation of the series and
provides an insight into the contribution of milk production, processing,
and consumption to the achievement of UN Sustainable
Development Goals.”
Dairy Sustainability Outlook edition 3 is free to all and can be
downloaded from the IDF website.
/www.international-dairy.com
/international-dairy.com
/international-dairy.com
