Fonterra farmers are receiving unique Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions profiles for their farms.
It’s a first that a tool has been introduced in New Zealand at this scale.
The profiles form part of a Farm Environmental Report – which combines a GHG Report and Nitrogen Risk Scorecard.
The reports are designed to provide useful insights for farmers to help identify opportunities for improvements on farming.
“One of the most important steps in improving your emissions profile is understanding where your emissions come from, and that’s what this report does,” says Fonterra Director On-Farm Excellence, Charlotte Rutherford.
“As well as being a very practical step toward helping New Zealand meet climate change commitments, the Environmental Report supports our strategy to meet growing global demand for food that’s kind to the planet.”
The team claim that Fonterra farmers are already among the world’s most sustainable producers of milk.
“…with increasing customer and consumer motivation linked to climate change, we need to ensure we’re continuing to position ourselves for the future – from both a regulatory and market perspective,” continues Ms Rutherford.
“Today 81% of consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. Our customers are responding to this by setting some bold goals to reduce their emissions profile over the coming years and there’s an opportunity for farmers to support them.
“For example, Nestlé has a target for net zero emissions by 2050 and Starbucks aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.”
Once farmers have accessed the reports, the next step will be implanting practical and sensible solutions to help reduce emissions.