Tesco has embarked on a pioneering initiative, joining forces with prominent milk suppliers Arla and Müller to establish an ambitious dairy industry partnership aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The Future Dairy Partnership is a strategic collaboration bringing together key players in the dairy sector to achieve a significant reduction in on-farm emissions. By 2030, the partnership has committed to reducing emissions by 30%, a goal that reflects a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Central to this initiative are Tesco’s 400 Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG) farmers across the United Kingdom. These farmers are at the forefront of implementing innovative practices, supported by collaboration and shared insights between Arla and Müller. This collaboration seeks to accelerate progress in reducing emissions within the sector.
Furthermore, the partnership aims to extend its influence by encouraging contributions and support from other industry organisations. This inclusive approach is designed to harness the collective expertise of the entire dairy industry, integrating new ideas and solutions to address the environmental challenges faced by the sector.
Ashwin Prasad, Tesco’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the importance of the partnership, highlighting Tesco’s proactive role in transitioning to low-carbon agriculture. He noted the achievements of the TSDG in advancing animal welfare, carbon footprint management, and introducing innovative practices like methane-reducing feed additives.
The partnership will explore various avenues to foster sustainability, including trialling and implementing methane-reducing feed additives and leveraging farmer focus groups for fresh insights. These efforts will be supported by comprehensive industry reports and the development of a sustainable dairy blueprint, offering clear guidelines on sustainability and ethical standards for farmers.
The collaboration between Tesco, Arla, and Müller represents a significant step in transforming the dairy sector towards greater sustainability. By working closely with farmers and industry partners, the initiative aims to implement meaningful changes that will contribute to a more sustainable future.
