Dairy Farmers of Canada Targets Net-Zero GHG Emissions by 2050

Last week, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) unveiled a goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from farm-level dairy production by the year 2050, with a milestone in 2030.

From 1990 to 2019, Canadian dairy farmers reduced the carbon footprint of milk production by 22 per cent through improved management practices.

“For generations now, Canadian dairy farmers have been stewards of the land, adapting their practices based on science and innovation,” said Pierre Lampron, President, Dairy Farmers of Canada. “Our leadership in the area of sustainability is already recognized internationally, as we have one of the lowest carbon footprints per litre of milk produced.”

Last fall, DFC joined 11 of the world’s largest dairy organizations in supporting Pathways to Dairy Net Zero, a Global Dairy Platform-sponsored commitment towards net-zero GHG emissions.

“The Federal government set the objective, but can only achieve it with the support of industry partners,” added Lampron. “Achieving this objective will require dairy farmers to adapt, but will also require that effective government supports are in place.”

Reaching “zero” will be done through emissions reduction and GHG removal offsets. Other strategies will include qualitative targets related to soil and land, water, biodiversity, waste, and energy.

“We have committed to an objective, we have key strategies, and now we will further engage with our dairy farmers in the development of the basket of initiatives from which producers can choose to move the dial on sustainability, while respecting the uniqueness of each farm,” commented Lampron.