Net Zero – what does it mean for UK dairy farmers?

The Dairy Roadmap would like to invite you to attend our Dairy Roadmap Farmer Forum on Wednesday 11 August at 12.30.

This interactive webinar aims to provide an opportunity for dairy farmers and other industry stakeholders to learn more about the challenges of working towards Net Zero, as well as how the Dairy Roadmap is working to drive the industry forward and represent the efforts of the sector to Government and the wider public.

During this meeting, the organisations involved in the Dairy Roadmap will outline their key workstreams, give updates on policy and upcoming environmental summits, such as COP26. We will also hear from a number of farmers about their experiences with carbon footprinting on farm and work to reduce their emissions.

Throughout the meeting, participants will have the opportunity to raise questions and provide input on the direction of the Dairy Roadmap as well as learn from others.

A draft programme for the meeting is provided below.

Please register by emailing dairy@nfu.org.uk with your contact details.

Once your registration has been approved you will receive a confirmation email including joining instructions for the meeting.

Background to the Dairy Roadmap

There is no doubt that UK dairy farmers have, for many years, been at the forefront of driving higher standards of efficient milk production through high production standards and efforts to minimise environmental impacts. Despite this, dairy farmers across the UK will be aware of the ever-increasing scrutiny of the industry, its practices, and associated emissions.

Whilst it could be argued that the industry is unfairly demonised by the use of misleading global figures and misinformation in the media and press, dairy farmers know there is always room to improve and are striving to do better and be the best. Set in the context of numerous future policy and regulatory challenges and amidst an always evolving business environment, it can be an extremely complex path for the industry to navigate and move forwards.

That is why AHDB, Dairy UK and the NFU are working collaboratively through the Dairy Roadmap, along with the wider dairy sector, to develop plans and work programmes that demonstrate the environmental credentials of the dairy sector to key policymakers.

Draft programme

1. Introduction & Welcome – Michael Oakes, Chair of the Dairy Roadmap & the NFU Dairy Board 

2. The Dairy Roadmap: Aim and key workstreams – Paul Flanagan, AHDB. An introduction to the work of the Dairy Roadmap. 

3. Setting the Scene – The Food System Summit, COP26 and Beyond – Henry Clifford, Dairy UK. An overview of upcoming areas of interest and planned dairy activity on sustainability. 

4. On farm experience of working towards net zero – James Osman, NFU. Facilitated discussion with three farmer speakers and the audience 

5. Q&A 

6. Next Steps for the Dairy Roadmap – Michael Oakes 

7. Close