2014 Sustainability Report shares the dairy community's progress toward sustainability commitment and goals
The Innovation Center for U.S Dairy®, established under the leadership of dairy farmers, today announced the publication of the 2014 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report and accompanying infographic.
Through a shared commitment, U.S. dairy farmers, importers and businesses work together to provide people with the nutritious dairy products they want, in a way that is improving the social, economic and environmental performance of the dairy industry. In 2014, partnerships, knowledge sharing and actions from farm to table to community addressed the complex interconnections among food production, nutrition and health, economics and the environment.
"Dairy's commitment underscores the vital role of milk and dairy foods within a global food system that supports healthy people and healthy communities," said Tom Gallagher, CEO of the Innovation Center and Dairy Management Inc. "Today the U.S. dairy industry is playing a leading role in building a sustainable food system, sharing our learning and experiences in a way that can be used by dairy farmers and others in agriculture around the world."
In addition to reporting on Innovation Center-led research programs and activities, the 2014 Sustainability Report references specific actions being taken by more than 100 U.S. dairy farms, businesses and partnerships. Dairy farmers in all 50 states are continuously innovating to meet the unique environmental and social challenges in their region. Since 1944, milk production has quadrupled, but the industry uses 90 percent less cropland, consumes 65 percent less water and emits 63 percent fewer greenhouse gases.1
Highlights from the 2014 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report
Continuous improvement in climate adaptation is an inherent part of the dairy community
The dairy industry is committed to employing climate adaption strategies and creating business value through a portfolio of greenhouse gas reduction projects. For example, as part of federal efforts to increase climate adaption actions and reduce GHG emissions, the dairy industry voluntarily worked with U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to develop the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Released in August 2014, the roadmap outlines voluntary strategies to reduce methane emissions and develop a robust biogas industry. Dairy Power initiatives helped inform the Roadmap, including the landmark 2013 research that identifies a $3 billion market potential for anaerobic digester systems that co-digest dairy cow manure and food waste.
Dairy farmers, importers and businesses support their local communities and address hunger
Dairy's contributions extend well beyond the nutritional value and health benefits of milk and dairy foods and beverages. In 2014, the dairy industry continued its work with Feeding America to increase milk donations to local food banks across the country. Through a collaborative effort, the Great American Milk Drive delivered 283,000 gallons of milk – and its 9 essential nutrients – to hungry families across the country. Further, the dairy community is working to promote food recovery as an important approach for addressing hunger, safeguarding the environment and reducing costs.
Partnerships continue to help advance sustainability of the dairy industry
In 2014, the Innovation Center's partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was renewed for another two years. The groups are working together to promote widespread dairy industry adoption of innovative, environmentally sustainable solutions as well as incremental improvements in existing dairy practices and technologies. In 2014, as part of the multiyear Sustainable Food for the 21st Century project, a white paper was released that shares the insights of 52 thought leaders and experts about how to achieve a sustainable food production system by the year 2050.
Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy® is a forum for the dairy industry to work together pre-competitively to address barriers and foster innovation. The Innovation Center aligns the collective resources of the industry to offer consumers nutritious dairy products and ingredients, and promote the health of people, communities, and the planet. The Board of Directors for the Innovation Center includes 32 leaders representing key U.S. farmer organizations, dairy cooperatives, processors, and brands.
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