Dairy UK calls for balanced approach in its latest report
Credit: Dairy UK
In its report, UK Dairy: More Nutrition with Fewer Emissions, Dairy UK presents a compelling case for the importance of dairy in sustainable, nutritious diets, it says. Underscoring the critical role of dairy in achieving both nutritional and environmental goals, Dairy UK encourages a balanced approach to sustainability, which doesn’t sacrifice public health. Dairy products provide critical nutrients which are often difficult to replace, and the industry body cautions that calls to reduce dairy intake could overlook these benefits.
The report urges policymakers to view the dairy sector holistically, considering not only its nutritional value, but also its contributions rural and national economies, as well as to food security.
As early adopters of the environmental agenda, working through the Dairy Roadmap and other sustainability initiatives, the industry has already made big strides in the environmental space, and is continuing to push the pace of change. Great achievements have been made in carbon reduction, energy and water efficiency and waste reduction. With processors and farmers working to ever more ambitious targets through the Dairy Roadmap, dairy processors and farmers are dedicated to meeting ambitious targets as part of their commitment to Net Zero.
Launching the report at a breakfast reception in the House of Lords, Dairy UK was joined by a number of parliamentarians to discuss the work the sector is doing in this area, and the nutritional value dairy products provide the UK public.
Commenting, Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK said, “Sustainability in all its facets is one of the most pressing issues of our time and the decisions we make today will have a profound impact on future generations. We need a more comprehensive approach to sustainable diets, one that values the nutrition in foods like dairy and understands the risks of oversimplified trade-offs.
“A sustainable diet doesn’t simply eliminate key nutrients or disregard social and economic factors. Our report highlights the potential impacts of these calls for reduction and the importance of an informed approach in our move toward Net Zero.
“As a sector, we are fully committed to sustainability and Net Zero goals. With significant achievements in reducing our environmental footprint, we continue to make positive changes in the industry.”
