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NZ dairying leads in lowering emissions
New Zealand dairy farmers continue to lead the world in sustainable dairying but it’s important they not rest on their laurels.
Research commissioned by DairyNZ and independently produced by AgResearch confirms New Zealand dairy farmers have the world’s lowest carbon footprint, at half the average emissions of other international producers.
The country’s dairy sector is committed to remaining the most efficient producer of low-emissions milk in the world, driving emissions down through science, innovation and hard work. To maintain their top spot, dairy farmers need to continue to adapt their practices and adopt new technology and knowledge to reduce environmental impact. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says his organisation is focused on maintaining success in a global market where consumers and communities are increasingly seeking sustainably produced food. “New Zealand is known internationally for its low carbon footprint of dairy product, which is supported by this research. However, there is still potential to improve and achieve lower emissions and we are well aware other countries are also reducing the footprint of their dairy sectors. “Our global competitors are never far behind and while we are world-leading at emissions-efficient milk production, we must continue to adapt and implement new technologies and knowledge. It is the right thing to do for our environment, our consumers and humanity as a whole.” DairyNZ, the industry organisation that represents all New Zealand dairy farmers, aims to support farmers through investing in research, resource development, extension and advocacy to ensure they lead the world in sustainable dairy farming. The organisation is involved in a wide range of research, investing dairy farmers' levies in climate change solutions developed through science. The AgResearch analysis demonstrates that New Zealand has retained its outstanding position in low-emission dairy milk production, with an on-farm carbon footprint 48 percent less than the average of 18 countries studied. The research analysed 55 percent of global milk production, including major milk-producing countries. New Zealand is the most efficient producer at 0.77kg CO2e per kg FPCM (fat and protein
corrected milk), which is 48 percent less than the average of the countries studied. The average is 1.47kg CO2e per kg FPCM. Dr Mackle says New Zealand has a natural advantage with a temperate climate and high-quality soil that is ideal for growing pasture. This advantage is preserved through New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable farming. “Our carbon footprint is low due to good pasture and animal management that ensures high pasture quality and high feed conversion efficiency, with low use of imported and supplementary feed. “The differences between New Zealand’s farm system and overseas farming systems are mainly management practices. For example, some farming systems overseas keep animals indoors during the winter, thereby increasing emissions from manure management and feeding. Also, some overseas systems have high milk production per head associated with increased use of concentrate/supplements. This leads to more emissions from production of brought-in feed.” Dr Mackle says the research is vital in understanding how New Zealand dairy farms stack up and informs how our farmers can be even more efficient. He says while a February study by AgResearch, ‘Mapping the carbon footprint of milk for dairy cows’, reinforced New Zealand’s world-leading status with science-based evidence, it is important New Zealand dairy farmers continue to adapt their practices and adopt new technology. “Leading the world in sustainable dairy farming is testimony to New Zealand dairy farmers’ hard work and investment over decades. Our grassbased, outdoor grazing system is unique globally and is critical to our success, combined with the huge amount of work under way to support farmers to reduce emissions. “By continuing to deliver sustainable products, New Zealand dairy farmers will deliver for consumers, customers, communities, the environment and future generations.” Innovations to reduce emissions are a priority. For more than a decade, DairyNZ has invested heavily in research and development and science to support farmers to reduce their environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. DairyNZ leads several research programmes and is partnering with others such as AgResearch, LIC and CRV in other projects. The organisation invests about $1 million a year on research into climate change emissions reduction, mainly through the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGgRc), and works closely with the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC). PGgRc conducts research on behalf of eight New Zealand agricultural sector partners, with government support, to find ways to reduce methane emissions through animal and forage breeding programmes, use of methane inhibitors and looking for potential vaccines to reduce methane emissions. The primary sector, including DairyNZ, has established an innovative 5-year plan – He Waka Eke Noa – to work constructively and collaboratively with Government and Māori to make meaningful farm changes to reduce emissions. A 5-year DairyNZ programme has also been introduced. Step Change is designed to equip farmers to act to reduce their environmental footprint while increasing their profitability. It is helping dairy farmers understand their greenhouse gas emissions footprint and how to reduce it, while improving profitability. Through Step Change, DairyNZ, along with other sector organisations, will deliver information, resources and support to help dairy farmers lift profit while contributing to better water quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This includes sharing information from projects where farmers have already achieved these gains as well as access to tailored science-based solutions.
