The collaboration not only aims to help accelerate existing efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the dairy supply chain, but is also expected to inspire other companies to join and share best practices.

Measuring sustainable farming practices

Dairy farmers can take a number of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their farms and to combat climate change. Implementing good agricultural practices, such as minimising waste in the feed cycle, minimising tillage of the soil, and using local protein sources are all potential strategies for reducing emissions. FrieslandCampina’s member dairy farmers can also generate their own renewable energy, which is subsequently used on the FrieslandCampina’s production sites.

Data driven approach

FrieslandCampina uses the Annual Nutrient Cycling Assessment to track progress resulting from sustainable farming practices. This monitoring tool is used by almost 10,000 FrieslandCampina member dairy farms and gives farm specific insights, such as the size of the carbon footprint and biodiversity indicators. Under the Foqus planet Sustainable development programme, member dairy farmers receive financial premiums on the basis of their results on climate, biodiversity, pasture grazing, animal health and animal welfare. Members have prior insight into what certain sustainability results at the farm yield financially.