Roadmap to guide dairy industry to net-zero
A SOMERSET-BASED company has been awarded a £15,000 bursary to research and recommend a net-zero roadmap for the British dairy industry.
After a hotly contested application process, The Dairy Group has been selected by the Trehane Trust to coordinate the 12-month research project, which aims to provide a “blueprint” for producers to meet the Government’s target of reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
The privately owned dairy consultancy business, whose headquarters are in Taunton, will report its findings to the Trehane Trust, as well as the wider dairy industry.
Diana Allen, chair of the Trehane Trust, said: “We had some very strong applicants, which reflects the importance of a research project that looks at the current science in driving down the dairy industry’s carbon footprint. But we also want this project to provide a blueprint for dairy producers, which gives clear, cost-effective and practical pointers that will help them at farm level.
“We feel confident that with the expertise within its team and its UK and international contacts, as well as its national network of dairy clients, The Dairy Group can deliver on this,” she added.
“We are looking for wellresearched and realistic pointers for producers and their advisers, as they look to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and promote more sustainable and efficient dairy businesses, and in doing so, meet the Government’s net-zero targets.
“This must not be a report destined for a shelf, but one that will provide a catalyst in our mission towards net zero.”
With consultants working throughout the UK and overseas, The Dairy Group has developed a wide range of services to meet the needs of dairy farmers and those that operate in the wider dairy sector, and prides itself on providing independent advice and practical solutions to clients.
Consultant Richard Lane, who will lead the research project, said: “The Dairy Group is delighted to have been awarded this prestigious fellowship to help the UK dairy industry towards net zero. We will review research and identify key strategies and use these to measure and benchmark dairy systems.”
The Dairy Group will use its findings and knowledge of UK dairy farming to make recommendations aimed at measuring and reducing carbon emissions on farms – both practically and profitably.
Mr Lane added: “We will liaise with the supply chain to ensure our report meets market expectations and contributes to creating a healthy and sustainable UK dairy industry.”