SUSTAINABILITY
MEETING IN THE MIDDLE MMPA FORMS FARMER SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE TO FURTHER COLLABORATION BY EMILY KITTENDORF
W
hile we are still facing a global pandemic, the undercurrent of pursuing a more sustainable future continues to move in both the private and public sectors. From carbon credits being furthered in the legislative landscape and greenhouse gas emissions being highlighted on product packaging, the agriculture industry is meeting the demands of consumers with visions of a sustainable future. 22
milk messenger
/ SEP-OCT 2020
Fortunately, the agriculture industry is in a better place than many. Agriculture has a good story to tell with data proving how far farmers have come in the past 20 years and the unique ability to capture carbon while efficiently producing a cost-effective and nutrientdense product. “For many dairy farmers who have had multiple generations involved in their operations, their definition of sustainability revolves around the ability to leave a family legacy behind,” said Sarah Michalek, MMPA sustainability supervisor.
“
“For many dairy farmers who have had multiple generations involved in their operations, their definition of sustainability revolves around the ability to leave a family legacy behind.”
“Companies across industries have been announcing carbon emissions goals this year, and the dairy industry has naturally positioned itself to contribute to these goals through the continuous improvements and technologies implemented to improve their dairies. The agriculture industry and dairy specifically has a great story to tell and we at MMPA are contributing to that positive story,” she added. MMPA’s customers are reacting to the mainstream consumer who cares about the future of the planet and have showcased the necessity of developing a sustainability program. To help meet customers’ needs, MMPA is driving sustainability efforts with a mission established by the board of directors: “To continually strive for a more sustainable future – for our community, our environment, our economy’s health, and for the lives and world around us.”
