The IDF (International Dairy Federation) has today published the second edition of its Dairy Sustainability Outlook.
The publication presents a wide range of national initiatives for sustainable dairying, including examples of climate neutral development, biodiversity improvement, food waste reduction, women’s empowerment through the dairy sector, the creation of a sustainable workplace, recycling and packaging, and the circular economy.
There is also a general description of global sustainability initiatives, which includes the latest FAO LEAP methodologies and research on healthy diets, the impact of animal products on climate change and why methane should be treated differently to other greenhouse gas emissions.
The Dairy Sustainability Outlook offers an opportunity for those involved in the field to share insights on sustainability projects of importance for the dairy sector.
It includes contributions from dairy sustainability experts from around the world, including Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, India, The Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, UK and the US.
IDF Director-General, Caroline Emond said:
“Sustainable development is a collective effort that depends on collaboration between governments, international organizations and the private sector, along with individuals. The dairy sector has a key role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda. IDF recognizes the challenges and opportunities and is committed to contributing relevant scientific information and good practice to the discussion through publications such as the Dairy Sustainability Outlook.”
Background
The contribution of milk and dairy products to production, processing and consumption with the aim of achieving nutrition and socio-economic improvement goals is widely recognized.
The dairy sector has been acknowledged for its leading role in sustainable practices for several years.
Finding new ways to reduce impact on environment, manage resources efficiently and increase benefits to biodiversity and bioeconomy is a crucial part of the commitment of the dairy sector for continuous improvement.
There are numerous sustainability initiatives ongoing within the dairy sector, and IDF has selected a few amongst them to illustrate the dynamism of the sector on sustainability.
This second IDF Dairy Sustainability Outlook aims to provide a viewpoint on sustainable development of relevant importance for the dairy sector.
It offers an opportunity for those involved in the field to share ongoing projects and new research on sustainability of importance for the dairy sector and contributions to the SDGs.
