Ahead of two months of formal global talks about food, biodiversity and climate, starting in New York this week at the United Nations (UN) Food System Summit, Australian dairy is doubling down on its commitments to sustainable development.
"Today, Australia's dairy farmers and processors stand by their commitments to people, planet and animals in the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework," Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) chair and president of Australian Dairy Farmers, Terry Richardson said.
"Australian dairy is well progressed in implementing a wide range of activities supporting the goals and targets in the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework.
"Every Australian dairy business plays a critical role in driving progress towards our 2030 goals."
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The Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework sets out what industry does to reward people, make nutritious products, care for animals, and leave the environment in better shape for the future.
Progress towards the goals and targets in the framework are reported annually.
To date this progress includes a 23.5 per cent reduction in the intensity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by processors since 2010/11 and 94pc of dairy farms having implemented practices to reduce GHGs.
Agriculture and in particular livestock production will be in the crosshairs when the UN hosts formal talks about food systems, biodiversity targets and climate action in coming weeks.
Australian dairy's commitments on climate change, healthy diets and food insecurity are made clear in a video from dairy farmer and Chair of the Australian Dairy Sustainability Steering Committee, Daryl Hoey, released today to coincide with the UN Food Systems Summit.
"Australian dairy has a long history in sustainability and is committed to being part of the solution to the world's biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change," Mr Hoey said.
"Our sustainability promise is to produce nutritious food for a healthier world. It's a promise we aim to keep."
In May, the ADIC hosted a registered independent dialogue for the UN Food Systems Summit 2021. At this event, reusing plastic waste, abating greenhouse gases and improving dietary patterns were flagged as priorities for a transformation of the global food system by 2030.
Using the framework as a guide, and assisted by tools, research and services from industry bodies, Richardson says dairy farmers and manufacturers will continue to make progress on sustainability.
"We have a responsibility to help achieve the UN's sustainable development goals by 2030," Mr Hoey said.
For more information about the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework or to download the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Report 2020, visit sustainabledairyoz.com.au
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