UK dairy farmers urged to have their say in nationwide survey

Dairy farmers across the UK are being urged to seize a unique opportunity to shape the future of their industry as The Dairy Roadmap launches a nationwide survey on the biggest issues facing the sector – including economics, environment and long-term sustainability. The survey is now open and runs until 14 January, inviting dairy farmers to speak directly about what is working on farm, what isn’t and what is needed to keep UK dairy competitive and resilient.

This call to action follows a series of successful farmer-led workshops held across all four UK nations during October and November, alongside online sessions. Hosted by SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College), these events gave farmers a direct platform to influence how the sector tackles sustainability. The survey now extends that opportunity to every dairy farmer in the country.

The feedback gathered will help determine how future sustainability targets are set, and how real progress can be delivered on farm and across the dairy supply chain.

A cornerstone of this work is the partnership with SRUC, which ensures that the outcomes and the emerging evidence base are independently driven, objective and grounded in robust data. The SRUC will write the Sustainable Pathways report, providing an impartial assessment of the options open to dairy farmers in both the medium and long term.

The report will help articulate a clear vision for future performance against sustainability goals and metrics, outlining the pathways to achieve them. It will also demonstrate how every level of the sector can work constructively with government to support the delivery of national environmental priorities and broader commitments.

David Homer, a tenant farmer from Wiltshire, says, “Our industry has always been built on resilience, innovation and a deep-rooted commitment to producing high-quality food for the nation. But today, the challenges we face – from shifting consumer expectations to environmental pressures and evolving market demands – require us to work more collaboratively and strategically than ever before.

“That’s why the Pathways report is so important. It isn’t just a policy document or a checklist, it’s a shared vision for the future of UK dairy. It brings together farmers, processors, retailers, and policymakers to ensure our sector remains competitive, sustainable, and trusted.

“This report matters for three reasons: it strengthens our market position; it supports on-farm efficiency and resilience; and it amplifies our collective voice.”

Key themes of the Roadmap include:

· Supporting net zero ambitions through practical, on-farm actions;

· Encouraging nature-positive farming and improved biodiversity;

· Reducing waste and emissions across the supply chain;

· Promoting economic resilience and fair value for farmers; and

· Strengthening the connection between sustainability and profitability.

Professor John Newbold, professor of Dairy Nutrition at SRUC, says, “UK dairy exists because of the people who run it. Farmers supply nutritious food to the nation, support rural jobs and shape the countryside. Their leadership is central to building a resilient industry and achieving meaningful progress.”

While the survey is primarily aimed at dairy farmers, wider industry stakeholders are welcome to contribute.

The Pathways report will be published in two parts (summer-2026 and end-2026) and is intended to be sector-owned, enabling the entire value chain to understand what it will take to deliver sustainability, across every level of the value chain, through to 2030 and 2050.

Since its launch in 2008, The Dairy Roadmap has driven continuous environmental improvement across the dairy supply chain – from reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency to cutting waste and protecting water resources. The new Sustainable Dairy Pathways Report marks the next phase of this work. It aims to provide industry-aligned guidance on sustainability targets while allowing flexibility for farmers and processors to choose the approaches best suited to their businesses.

The survey is available here: https://dairyroadmap.co.uk/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-uk-dairy/