The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Northern Ireland carbon intensity indicators 2022 publication, shows the continued progress of the local dairy industry in reducing carbon emissions per litre of milk produced.
The report found that the total emissions intensity (excluding sequestration) relating to milk production, decreased from an average of 1,927 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of energy corrected milk in 1990 to 1,215 grams in 2020.
UFU dairy chair Kenny Hawkes said, “DAERA’s latest report findings are testament to the efforts of the Northern Ireland dairy sector in tackling climate change. The report complements the emissions data provided by the historical greenhouse gas inventory and the Northern Ireland greenhouse gas projections, and will assist government in monitoring the efficiency of its carbon reduction policies.
“It is a well-known fact that NI milk production has expanded since 1990, but the total number of dairy cows over this period has increased by only 13 percent. This means that the improvement in the carbon footprint has been driven by substantial increases in milk yield per cow. Our farmers are continuing to deliver on the climate change front, successfully working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on farm whilst continuing to produce high-quality food.
“This is positive news for the dairy industry which must be considered in the ongoing and intensifying debate on climate change.”
