March 30, 2022 –

The Dairy Processors Association of Canada (DPAC) is proud to announce its support for Pathways to Dairy Net Zero, a global initiative to reduce the dairy sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next 30 years. 

Canada’s dairy processing industry is committed to improving its environmental impact and playing a role in creating a sustainable future for Canada’s agri-food sector. In supporting Pathways to Dairy Net Zero, DPAC aims to support the important efforts of Canada’s dairy processors to address the industry’s GHG emissions, identify ways to reduce the waste created in the supply chain, and improve the energy efficiency of its operations. 

To this end, DPAC joins more than 100 organizations that represent 30% of global milk production that have committed to supporting and promoting the principles of the Pathways to Dairy Net Zero Declaration:

  • Mitigation: Continuing to improve production and process efficiency to further reduce the GHG emissions intensity of milk and dairy products.
  • Greenhouse gas removals: Enhancing production practices that protect carbon sinks (soil, forests, grass, peatlands) and complement natural ecosystems.
  • Avoidance and adaptation: Improving practices such as feed, manure, fertilizer and energy management.
  • Insets and offsets: Identifying and implementing alternative, credible reduction options.
  • Measurement and monitoring: Measuring GHG emissions to plan mitigation and monitoring progress.
  • Overall support: Promoting the global initiative and emphasizing the dairy sector’s climate ambition.

Pathways to Dairy Net Zero builds on DPAC’s previous sustainability commitments as an implementation partner of the Canada Plastics Pact (2021) and a signatory to the Dairy Declaration of Rotterdam (2017), which recognizes the role that dairy plays in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Work is currently underway to identify opportunities for broad industry action that can be led by DPAC toward improved environmental sustainability.

Learn more about the Declaration, Pathways to Dairy Net Zero initiatives, and DPAC’s commitments to sustainability.

 

Statements

“Pathways to Dairy Net Zero is an important opportunity for the global dairy industry to take collaborative action to reduce emissions and contribute to improved environmental sustainability. Canada’s dairy processing industry is focused on continuous improvement and doing its part to secure a sustainable future for Canada’s agri-food sector.”

– Mathieu Frigon, President and CEO, Dairy Processors Association of Canada

 

About Pathways to Dairy Net Zero

Pathways to Dairy Net Zero, the first climate initiative of its kind in the world, will accelerate dairy’s climate action by reducing the sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next 30 years. Its mission is driven by the global dairy sector and supported by leading scientific and research organizations around the world.

The initiative was officially launched in September 2021 during Climate Week and just prior to the United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit. To date, more than 100 leading organizations, including  Global Dairy Platform, the International Dairy Federation, Dairy Farmers of Canada, and numerous DPAC members have already declared their support. Collectively, these supporters represent approximately 30% of total milk production worldwide.

The Pathways to Dairy Net Zero is developed on six main principles:

  • Mitigation: Continuing to improve production and process efficiency to further reduce the GHG emissions intensity of milk and dairy products.
  • Greenhouse gas removals: Enhancing production practices that protect carbon sinks (soil, forests, grass, peatlands) and complement natural ecosystems.
  • Avoidance and adaptation: Improving practices such as feed, manure, fertilizer and energy management.
  • Insets and offsets: Identifying and implementing alternative, credible reduction options.
  • Measurement and monitoring: Measuring GHG emissions to plan mitigation and monitoring progress.
  • Overall support: Promoting the global initiative and emphasizing the dairy sector’s climate ambition.

For additional information on the Declaration and Pathways to Dairy Net Zero.