Greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of Dutch farm milk reduced by 35 percent

Extensive research, published in the academic journal ‘Cleaner Production’, shows that greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of Dutch farm milk was reduced by 35 percent between 1990 and 2019¹. This research of greenhouse gas emission from ‘feed to farmgate’ was conducted by experts from Wageningen University & Research, Blonk Consultants, Schothorst Feed Research and FrieslandCampina, and peer reviewed by independent scientists.

“This demonstrates the determination of Dutch dairy farmers who remain committed to delivering food with an increasingly lower climate impact. We are aware that our climate goals towards 2030 require acceleration. But this research and our own extensive monitoring at the individual farm level are positive and show that FrieslandCampina's member dairy farmers can achieve this. And that is just one of the elements we are committed to. Together with our member dairy farmers, for example, we are also working hard on the continuous improvement of biodiversity”, says Margrethe Jonkman, Global Director Research & Development at FrieslandCampina.

Find the research here: The evolution of the carbon footprint of Dutch raw milk production between 1990 and 2019 - ScienceDirect

Factors at play

The research team concluded that many elements influenced this decrease in greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of milk – From less electricity and compound feed use per kilo of milk to almost halving the amount of applied nitrogen per hectare and from an increase in dairy cow productivity to a smaller youngstock herd. A clear over-all factor is more efficient dairy farming since 1990, which results in less emissions.

Carbon footprint reduction (high to low) and greenhouse gas emission 1990-2019:

1. enteric methane: -15%
2. roughage production on farm: -52%
3. purchased resources: -54%
4. manure storage and stable +26%
5. energy use: -47%

FrieslandCampina’s climate plan

This research shows how many dairy farmers have made reductions in their greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. In the meantime, FrieslandCampina is committed to keep reducing its emissions on its journey to net-climate neutral production in 2050. That’s why the company presented a climate plan with clear reduction goals and plans for acceleration. The climate plan is part of the integral sustainability programme, Nourishing a better planet, which, in addition to the climate, also focuses on good and affordable nutrition, a good income for farmers, biodiversity, sustainable packaging and the sustainable sourcing of raw materials.

¹ The greenhouse gas emission per kilogram of fat and protein corrected milk was reduced with 35% in the period of 1990-2019. The total volume of milk production increased since 1990 and therefore the absolute emissions of all milk produced are 15% lower in 2019 compared to 1990.