By DARYL HOEY*
Agriculture and in particular livestock production has been central to formal global talks about sustainable food production and healthy diets hosted by the United Nations in past weeks.
There have been passionate voices on food, biodiversity and climate. Mostly, these voices have respected all dimensions of sustainable food production from cultural and economic to nutrition and environment.
For our part 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 and food insecurity.
First and foremost, an unhealthy diet is not sustainable. Our industry nourishes people across the world daily. Milk, cheese and yoghurt are nutrient-rich with proven health benefits. Dairy is a staple food with traditions woven into society. It’s affordable and accessible meaning it can be part of many cultural diets.
Seventy-nine per cent of Australians agree that dairy foods are essential for good health and wellbeing,
Dairy has and always will be a food – not a fad.
As an industry Australian dairy stands for a healthier world, for people and the planet.
It is not lost on us that livestock industries such as dairy contribute methane to the atmosphere from cow burping. These gases are short-lived relative to those from fossil fuels however there is still an opportunity for us to improve our performance and do more to protect the environment in which we operate.
It’s in our nature – and in our hands – to action on climate change; 94% of Australian dairy farms have implemented practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and GHGs from manufacturers are down 27% since 2010/11, according to the 2020 Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Report. The report also shows that 93% of waste from manufacturers is diverted from landfill. We are committed to meeting the challenge of climate change and looking after our natural resources.
In relation to economic development Australian dairy is committed to creating a vibrant industry that rewards dairy workers and their families, their related dairying communities, business and investors.
Dairy provides jobs and income for many families and contributes to social cohesion in regional communities. Eighty-six per cent of people in regional areas think dairy is an essential part of their community.
In 2019/2020, Australian dairy processors generated $15.7 billion in revenue and contributed $12.4 billion to Australian GDP. The industry directly employs 42,600 people. It brings regional communities to life.
Australia’s dairy farmers and manufacturers are innovative. We think ahead. This enables us to be part of the solution to food and agriculture’s biggest sustainability challenges, now and in the future.
The Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework sets out what we do to reward our people, make nutritious products, care for our animals, and leave the environment in better shape for the future.
We report our progress towards sustainability goals and targets every year for all to see. Our sustainability promise is to produce nutritious food for a healthier world. It’s a promise we aim to keep.
If people planning the future of food take into account the social, economic and environmental impacts of food production Australian dairy will be part of whatever food system emerges over time.
* Daryl Hoey is Chair of the Dairy Sustainability Steering Committee, which directs the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework, a whole-of-industry initiative from the Australian Dairy Industry Council.