USA – Darigold Inc. and the Northwest Dairy Association (NDA), an American dairy agricultural marketing cooperative, have announced a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
By investing in renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency, promoting farm-level carbon sequestration projects and modernizing its processing and transportation network, the Northwest farmer-owned cooperative believes it can offset the greenhouse gas emissions of its entire enterprise from farm to consumer product.
The northwest farmer-owned cooperative says it expects to achieve this goal in part through investing in renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency, as well as through modernising its processing and transportation networks.
“The coop had previously announced a goal to reduce carbon emissions 20-30% by 2030, but our organisation determined it is not only feasible, but imperative to go all the way and strive for complete carbon neutrality,” said Stan Ryan, president and CEO of Darigold.
“We know that fiscal and technological hurdles remain, as well as some challenges with yet unknown solutions, but existing stewardship projects have dramatically improved the outlook of achieving carbon neutrality, driving our confidence to announce this goal.”
Promoting farm-level carbon sequestration projects also forms part of NDA’s strategy to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of its entire enterprise, from farm to consumer product.
Around 400 dairy farm families comprise the membership of NDA, a growing number of which are said to be implementing methodologies that mitigate the methane emissions associated with their operations. These include for example biological systems and feed additives.
Duane Naluai, senior vice president of Darigold consumer products, added: “I am proud that Darigold is living our core values of leadership, stewardship and perseverance through this announcement.
“More than an initiative, we are committed to achieving carbon neutrality for the good of all who share this precious planet: our animals, families, employees, neighbours, consumers and customers.
“This represents a new level of action and will result in Darigold designing even more sustainability into our business processes, packages and products, alongside quality, nutrition and value.”
While carbon credit validation results are still pending, NDA says it hopes to offer up to 100 million pounds per year of farm-level carbon-neutral milk by 2021.
The coop’s announcement aligns with a goal set by the Innovation Center for US Dairy, for the country’s entire dairy business to collectively reach carbon neutrality or better by 2050.
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