Cavan-based cooperative Lakeland Dairies has become the latest dairy processor to launch a cross-business sustainability strategy.
With 3,200 farmer suppliers on both sides of the border and annual turnover of €2 billion, the co-op is seeking to significantly reduce carbon emissions from its plants and operations and from production of milk.
The carbon footprint of milk will be reduced by 30% by 2030, as will emissions from Lakeland sites; 100% of plastic packaging will be recyclable and compostable by the end of the decade, water usage will reduce by 15% and landfill waste will be eliminated by 2026.
Lakeland will also introduce a farm sustainability programme to reward farmers for taking positive environmental steps on their farms.
Lakeland Dairies' Group Head of Sustainability Rory Farrell said: "Climate action is critically important for us as business and is also an imperative for our customers and consumers across the world who we serve.
"Irish dairying is already hugely sustainable, having one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world.
"Having a verifiable and credible sustainability strategy is also crucial in maintaining our social licence to operate."
Chairperson of Lakeland Dairies Niall Matthews said the dairy was a "clear and unambiguous commitment to continue on the pathway of reducing emissions".
"Lakeland Dairies’ farm families have already played a huge role in tackling climate change and improving our sustainability credentials," he said.
"Largescale adoption of low-emission slurry spreading technology, efficient management of nutrients, using the latest breeding advancements and leadership in the uptake of clover grasses and multi-species swards means that Lakeland Dairies suppliers are well-placed to meet the future with optimism," he added.
The agriculture sector was directly responsible for 38.4% of greenhouse gas emissions last year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Most of this came from methane from livestock and nitrous oxide due to the use of nitrogen fertiliser and manure management, the EPA said.
The farming sector, along with food producers, are coming under growing scrutiny and pressure around the reduction of emissions, amid claims they need to do more.
