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For the first time, a coalition of UK farmers, processors, retailers and foodservice operators has formed a new steering group aimed at enhancing sustainability and resilience across the dairy sector. This initiative, part of an updated Dairy Roadmap, marks a collaborative effort to meet pressing environmental goals while ensuring the industry's viability in an evolving market landscape.

The newly established steering group includes key stakeholders such as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Dairy UK, the National Farmers' Union (NFU), as well as major players like Arla Foods UK, Müller UK & Ireland, Lactalis UK & Ireland, Sainsbury's and Tesco.

This diverse assembly reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the environmental challenges facing dairy production, from farm to consumer.

The Dairy Roadmap, originally launched in 2008, has been instrumental in guiding the UK dairy sector toward reduced environmental impacts. With the new governance structure, the focus will shift to creating a Sustainable Dairy Pathways Report, which aims to identify necessary funding, innovation and infrastructure to achieve net-zero emissions and other sustainability targets by 2026.

Bas Padberg, chair of the Dairy Roadmap and managing director of Arla Foods UK, commented: “We have to find ways of feeding a growing population and providing nutrient-rich foods that nourish people. Dairy has a key role to play in this, but we know that as an industry, we also need to ensure that we limit our impact on the environment and bring down emissions."

He continued: “Collaborating across the industry and with the biggest retailers and foodservice partners shows the commitment that we have in our sector to create a more resilient and sustainable future for our food. As a natural source of nutrition, the future for dairy is bright, and I look forward to leading the collaborative effort to drive real change.”

The updated Dairy Roadmap will prioritise several core objectives:

• Environmental impact reduction: Commitment to continuous improvement to meet international environmental standards.

• Biodiversity and animal welfare: Initiatives to protect water resources and enhance biodiversity on farms.

• Sector resilience: Proactive measures to prepare for future regulatory challenges and maintain economic viability.

Historically, the Dairy Roadmap has achieved notable milestones, including substantial reductions in water and energy use, and increased energy efficiency among processors. As the sector faces escalating compliance costs and regulatory pressures, the new collaborative framework aims to facilitate coordinated action across the entire dairy value chain.