It was developed in partnership with Fonterra, with the support of the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry for the Environment.
It is the first step of a longer plan to improve dairy farms’ environmental footprint, to understand what the dairy sector can do in conjunction with the wider agricultural sector, plus industry and urban communities, to meet New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.
The Dairy Action for Climate Change, launched in June 2017, builds on the extensive environmental protection work already being carried out by farmers on their land, and the science-based endeavours also underway, such as the research to breed cows that produce fewer methane emissions, and a methane vaccine. It includes commitments to building capability of rural professionals through professional training courses, raising the awareness of farmers, and undertaking dairy farm greenhouse gas pilot case studies. The plan complements the commitments being undertaken by farmers and dairy companies under the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord.
