Coles Empowers Dairy Farmers with $1.45M in Grants for Sustainable Farming

Coles is championing sustainability in the dairy industry with the introduction of the Dairy Farm Sustainability Accelerator Fund, which will see 100 Coles dairy farms across Australia sharing in $1.45 million in grants.

These grants, totalling up to $50,000 each, have been allocated to Coles’ direct sourcing dairy farmers to drive innovation and fnance projects aimed at enhancing animal welfare, implementing solar energy solutions, and improving infrastructure.

Brad Gorman, Coles General Manager Dairy, Freezer, and Convenience, expressed Coles’ commitment to supporting its direct sourcing dairy farmers in their pursuit of sustainable farming practices and innovation. Coles directly contracts with farms in Victoria, Southern New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and

Tasmania, supplying over 490 million litres of milk annually for Coles Brand Fresh milk and Coles Brand cheese.

Gorman highlighted the diverse range of farmer-led projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing soil quality, managing water resources, promoting biodiversity, and improving animal welfare. Coles anticipates signifcant positive outcomes from these initiatives and is eager to witness their impact on the environment and farm operations.

Among the grant recipients, Benjamin and Melissa Holloway, Victorian Coles dairy farmers, plan to utilize the funds to install an 80kw solar roof system on their farm in Victoria’s southwest. This addition to their existing solar infrastructure will signifcantly increase their clean energy capacity by an additional 106,000kw per year, further reducing their carbon footprint and reliance on nonrenewable energy sources.

Similarly, the Parkinson family, another recipient of Coles’ grants, intends to construct a 100ML mega dam on one of their properties in Victoria. This initiative refects their commitment to sustainable farming practices and will ensure water security throughout the summer and autumn months.

Other projects supported by Coles include the development of shade shelters and tree shelter belts in Western Australia, the construction of a methane catchment pond in Western Victoria, the installation of touch screens for herd management in southwest Victoria, irrigation system upgrades in Western Australia, and the installation of additional rainwater tanks in New South Wales.

The Coles Sustainable Dairy Development Group (CSDDG) plays a crucial role in supporting direct supplying dairy farmers in their journey towards sustainability.

To date, the CSDDG has invested over $3.78 million in on-farm initiatives, including farmer education, training, and initiatives focused on improving herd health and milk quality.

Coles remains committed to fostering sustainability within the dairy industry and supporting its dairy farmers in implementing innovative and environmentally friendly practices for a brighter, more sustainable future.