Sustainability partnership launched between Tesco and milk suppliers
In an unprecedented move, Tesco and its milk suppliers, Arla and Müller UK & Ireland have joined forces to launch a farmer-led partnership which aims to put sustainability at the heart of the dairy industry.
The Future Dairy Partnership aims to accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions, enhance animal welfare and protect and restore nature, whilst promoting a shared vision for the dairy industry to collaborate to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
The launch of the partnership marks a significant step towards uniting the dairy industry to accelerate reduction of emissions, farm in harmony with nature and commit to higher animal welfare standards.
Climate change is already impacting food production in the UK, and uncertainty regarding the future of the dairy industry is leading to a reduced supply of milk and has the potential to effect food security. In a bid to tackle these issues, Tesco, Arla and Müller have pledged to bring together organisations from across the dairy industry to reduce on-farm emissions by 30% by 2030.
With both Müller and Arla uniting in the partnership, all 400 of Tesco’s Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG) farmers across the UK will be part of the initiative. The suppliers and retailer are also broadening the partnership by reaching out to other organisations across the dairy industry for input and support.
‘It’s critical we continue to ensure farmers play a pivotal role in this work’
Chief Commercial Officer at Tesco, Ashwin Prasad said: “We’ve been playing a leading role in transitioning to a low carbon agriculture sector for some time, through the close long-term partnerships we have with our TSDG farmers.
“The group has pioneered groundbreaking work on a number of areas, including animal welfare improvements, carbon foot-printing and introducing innovations such as methane reducing additives.
“What’s clear is that to achieve our stretching climate and nature goals, we must work together as an industry to implement transformational improvements at pace, so we’re delighted to be partnering with Arla and Müller on this project,” he added.
“It’s critical we continue to ensure farmers play a pivotal role in this work, and we look forward to working with them as the work of the partnership is established.”
