The framework provides a unified voice for Australia’s dairy sector to share its sustainability goals and achievements – but it’s so much more than that.

It all started when a dairy company representative made a call to Dairy Australia. They wanted to know – how could the industry share its progress on sustainability?

With so many dairy companies and farms across Australia, many were already making strides in upping their action on climate change and sustainability. What was missing was a way for producers and manufacturers to share progress and amplify efforts.

Bringing together different voices from across the sector has been a huge part of the framework from day one.

Initially, a working draft of the framework was developed in line with international standards, following an extensive materiality study. Stakeholder input was sought from 50 organisations representing dairy farmers, dairy companies and stakeholders such as customers, retailers, community, NGOs, investors and government groups.

In 2012, a vision for the sustainable development of the Australian dairy industry was endorsed by the Australian Dairy Industry Council, the peak advocacy body for the industry.

In the ten years since the framework was created, over 500 stakeholders have become part of a network around the framework, actively contributing their perspectives and creating a forum for sharing and learning.