Reduction in Dairy Industry GHG emissions in the UK

Farmers Weekly, 18th March 2009

Figures for greenhouse gas emissions in the UK shows agriculture’s emissions of the three main greenhouse gases – methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide – have fallen over the past 15 years, says DairyCo (milk sector advisory company) Brian Lindsay.

Emissions have already fallen so much they’ve exceeded the Kyoto targets of a 12.5% reduction on 1990 levels by 2012,” he says.

A desktop review by DairyCo, shows agriculture’s total contribution to UK greenhouse gas emissions is about 7% .”The review also shows dairy reductions in nitrous oxide emissions look to be 21% since 1990 and much of this has been achieved through reduced use of nitrogen fertiliser and improved manure handling and storage,” says Mr Lindsay.

Methane emissions from dairying have declined by 15% since 1990 and this has been achieved effectively from fewer cows producing more milk and an increase in feeding efficiency.

A start has been made in setting targets for the future through the  dairy industry’s Milk Road Map.

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