NZ milk’s lowest carbon footprint confirmed by new report
A new analysis released confirms New Zealand dairy farms have the lowest carbon footprint in the world.
The report from AgResearch, commissioned by DairyNZ compares New Zealand with 17 other countries. It confirms our footprint is 70% lower than the global average and 46% lower than the average of other countries in the study, which includes all major milk producers.
Infographic credit: DairyNZ
“This is the result of our unique pasture-based farming here in New Zealand and the hard graft of our farmers, which as an employee of the Co-op makes me feel pretty proud,” says Director On-Farm Excellence, Charlotte Rutherford.
“We’ve seen consumers become increasingly interested in the carbon footprint of their products, and today’s report confirms we’re well placed to meet people’s desire for food that’s kinder to the planet.
“We know more needs to be done to keep improving and we’re up for the challenge.”
That’s why innovation is a key part of the Co-op’s strategy and why Fonterra has multiple partnerships to develop the tools and solutions needed to support farmers, particularly in areas where they face tough challenges, such as reducing methane emissions.
"This is the result of our unique pasture-based farming here in New Zealand and the hard graft of our farmers, which as an employee of the Co-op makes me feel pretty proud."
Charlotte says “one of the keys to helping guide farmers to continuously improve is ensuring they understand their emissions profiles.
“Last year all our farmers received a greenhouse gas emission report specific to their farms. It’s a very practical step toward helping New Zealand meet climate change commitments.”
But finding a solution requires more than just hard graft from the Co-op’s farmers and solutions like Kowbucha™, seaweed and feed additives are being investigated for potential breakthroughs in reducing emissions from cows.
Fonterra has also teamed up with Nestlé and DairyNZ to expand a promising plantain trial to help improve waterways and reduce on-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
One of the keys to helping guide farmers to continuously improve is ensuring they understand their emissions profiles.
Director On-Farm Excellence