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.
“This is a challenge every sector will need to meet. Later this
month, we will be publishing a comprehensive assessment of the
UK’s food security, and alongside it we will be looking for views
on new food sustainability indicators. Together, these will give
food businesses and others a clear picture of where the risks and
challenges to delivering sustainable and secure food are, and
where they can make changes to produce food as sustainably as
possible.”
Dairy producers committed to have half of dairy managed farmland
in Environmental Schemes by 2010 and have already hit 45 per cent,
one year ahead of schedule.
Milk processors are working with partners in the supply chain and
are on track to incorporate 10 per cent 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 per cent.
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.
Contacts:
Defra Press Office
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Rosie Moss
Phone: 020 7238 5610
rosie.moss@defra.gsi.gov.uk