They presented and discussed initiatives taken by the European dairy industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to the production and consumption of milk and milk products, and asked the EU authorities to work towards a Climate Change agreement in Copenhagen that will allow the dairy sector to contribute to this following their current approach.
The EDA presented the plans and actions – current and future – that the European dairy industry is taking in the particular context of Climate Change and invited speakers from the EU-presidency and the European Commission to contribute with their view on the discussion.
As a responsible stakeholder, the European dairy industry acknowledges that there is an impact out of dairy on the environment, among others through the emission of greenhouse gasses. These emissions are in part related to the use of mineral fuels with production, processing and distribution of dairy products, but the methane emissions of the enteric fermentation in the rumen of the cows and the methane and nitrogen-oxide emissions related to the storage and use of manure contribute in particular. Research has demonstrated that these are relevant emissions, but has also shown that needed emissions reductions are manageable, and that there are various options to contribute significantly to these reductions.
Over the last 25 years, there have already been several efforts and initiatives in the European dairy industry, and research has proven that they’re on the right track. Yet, because of the need for everyone to work in the most efficient manner, dairy industry organisations from around the globe have decided to join forces, and have jointly developed the Global Dairy Agenda for Action on Climate Change.
In their responses, representatives for the Swedish EU Presidency and of the DG Environment, DG Enterprise and Industry and DG Agriculture and Rural Development from the European Commission all stressed the importance of concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They applauded the European dairy industry for their global approach and long-term vision in this matter.
Also positively received was the fact that the dairy industry is looking for solutions in the whole production chain, from feed for the cows to the finished product on the breakfast table.
“Actions such as our initiatives should be developed in close collaboration with all stakeholders, and also with policy makers,” said EDA secretary general, Joop Kleibeuker. “I am therefore very happy to have been able to present and discuss what we’re doing today. We think that we have shown, with the various projects, both on measurement and calculation, as well as on mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, that it’s possible for the dairy sector to give a significant contribution to the needed greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
“We will continue to strive for this, and ask the authorities to work towards a Climate Change agreement in Copenhagen that will allow us to follow along the lines we presented today. Under such an agreement, the dairy sector will be able also in the future, to contribute to the balanced healthy diet for European citizens and to the further development of stable social and economic structures in rural areas.”
Source: European Dairy Association
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