Issue No. 005
Summer 2023
Dairy in a Healthy and Sustainable Irish and European Food System Welcome to the Summer 2023 edition of the European Milk Forum (EMF) newsletter as part of our “Dairy in a Healthy and Sustainable European Food System” campaign. The year to date has been yet another busy one with dairy farms across the country responding to the global demand for Irish dairy products while simultaneously grappling with higher input production costs. As we look ahead to the upcoming autumn season, there is plenty to focus the minds of dairy farmers who are striving to balance the challenges of maintaining economic viability while progressing the implementation of environmental efficiencies. Dairy farming is one of Ireland’s oldest indigenous industries, enjoying a proud and rich heritage stretching back over 6,000 years. We have one of the most efficient production systems in the world, with our temperate climate, pasture-based grazing system and cows outdoors for almost 365 days of the year combining to excellent effect. Farm families across Ireland are aware of their role as custodians of the land and of leaving it in a better place for the next generation. It is a natural part of the farming psyche to want to improve upon what is there, and to ensure that when the land passes on it is set up for the next generation to continue to contribute positively. For dairy farmers, the land is their livelihood, and they are heavily invested in ensuring sustainability is the hallmark of what they do. Much of the national conversation regarding climate change is focused upon the role of agriculture and how it is contributing to achieving the targets of our national Climate Action Plan and the European Union ambition to achieve Net-Zero by 2050. We have consistently highlighted that the response to climate change requires a whole of society approach, and that dairy farmers won’t be found wanting and are stepping up to the plate. In this latest edition of our newsletter, we showcase the work of our dairy farmers to embed the latest environmental practices into their milk production processes and highlight the continuing efforts to support biodiversity on farms across Ireland. From safeguarding hedgerows to installing bird boxes, farmers appreciate the importance of biodiversity to local ecosystems.
Recent research carried out by the European Milk Forum shows that consumers have confidence in dairy farmers to continue to respond to climate change, while previous findings show that almost 9 in every 10 consumers would be satisfied to pay more for dairy products, provided the increased cost supported the application of the very latest environmental initiatives. Such findings demonstrate the strides that dairy farmers are making and how their efforts are being noted and appreciated by consumers. Most importantly, dairy farmers are not content to rest on their laurels and appreciate the significant trust shown in them. While our production system presents the industry with many significant advantages, there is a sector-wide awareness and acknowledgement of the need to keep sustainability front of mind and to adopt a best-in-class approach. To that end the role of a host of stakeholders within the industry is critical and we are pleased to feature Dr Zoe McKay who demonstrates how academic research and innovation conducted at UCD Lyons Farm is supporting the ongoing sustainability journey of Irish dairy farming. There is significant global demand for Irish dairy products, highly regarded for nutrition, affordability and taste. According to the latest Bord Bia Dairy Export figures, the industry generated a value of €6.8 billion, representing a 33% growth on 2021 figures with over 1.7 million tonnes shipped to 130 markets worldwide. Underpinning this is the work of 17,500 family run dairy farms, who play an integral role in the continued viability of the industry and are critical to our global reputation for quality products. Events in Russia and Ukraine have thrown the global food supply chain into sharper focus with the result that consumers are more attuned to the provenance of their food. We know from our previous European Milk Forum research there is a desire among consumers for locally produced products with “low air miles” and Bord Bia Bloom presented us with the opportunity to further highlight the role of Irish dairy farmers as local food producers. This event also allowed us to engage directly with a consumer-focused audience at one of Ireland’s biggest sustainability events.
Inside Supporting Sustainability
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Sustainable Nutrition
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Dairy Innovation
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In the Fields
6
Irish Consumer Research
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Our latest research finds that over threequarters of those surveyed regard the dairy industry as hugely important to Ireland. When we consider this, we need to appreciate that it is an industry, built upon the work of farm families, who must be supported to continue their sustainability drive. The length and breadth of Ireland, in rural and regional communities, dairy farmers are working year-round, from dawn to dusk, to ensure that they produce a top-quality product with environmental sustainability front of mind. It is a continuous journey, undertaken by Irish dairy with a sense of commitment and purpose and a strong realisation of the important contribution they are making now, and will continue to make into the future.
Zoe Kavanagh, Chief Executive, National Dairy Council & Spokesperson, European Milk Forum
THIS CAMPAIGN IS FINANCED WITH AID FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION