Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national dairy cooperative owned by family farmers, is taking a step forward in its commitment to sustainability by becoming the first U.S. dairy cooperative to set a target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

As a cooperative invested in the dairy supply chain from farm to table, DFA is taking a strong position by setting a science-based target and committing to reducing both direct and value chain GHG emissions 30% by 2030 (from a 2018 base year). By having these targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), DFA said it is supporting the Paris Agreement's broader goals to keep global warming below 2°C. Additionally, DFA said its target is aligned with the work of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and its goals for the U.S. dairy industry to become carbon neutral or better by 2050.

"Our dairy farm families have always been great stewards of the land and environmentally focused, because it protects the land for future generations," said David Darr, DFA senior vice president and chief strategy and sustainability officer. "While the entire dairy industry from farm to manufacturer only contributes about 2% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, we know it's imperative to keep doing better and making improvements. So, we're proud to take action and set this science-based target, which will help us further reduce our carbon footprint and do our part in taking care of our planet."

To reduce climate impact and reach its science-based target, DFA, its businesses and its farm family-owners will work across the supply chain to reduce GHG emissions on farms, in processing plants and on the road. Key strategies to achieve the target include:

In addition to these efforts, DFA is exploring emerging technologies and working with other industry partners, such as Vanguard Renewables, a Massachusetts-based renewable-energy developer, to benefit owners' operations and reduce GHG emissions.

"We began working with Vanguard a few years ago, and our partnership with them continues to grow, as we think there's a lot of opportunity to create synergies between our farms and plants," Darr said. "In addition, we're also looking at some innovative solutions to reduce food waste with startup companies, so there's a lot of excitement for how we can continue to accelerate our sustainability initiatives."

Alberto Carrillo Pineda, director of science based targets and renewable energy at CDP, one of the SBTi partners, congratulated DFA "for becoming the first U.S. dairy cooperative to have its emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. By setting targets that are grounded in climate science, Dairy Farmers of America is positioning themselves as leaders in their sector and setting themselves up for success in the transition to a net-zero economy."

The science-based goal is the latest step in DFA's commitment to sustainably and responsibly produce milk and other dairy products. Earlier this year, the cooperative released its 2020 social responsibility report, "A Mark of Purpose," which details its overall sustainability strategy and commitment to the planet, its people and communities.

"On our farms, in our facilities and on the road, our journey to continuously improving our social responsibility efforts takes a holistic approach," Darr said. "We are committed to developing solutions that reduce or eliminate carbon emissions, feed people around the world and help communities thrive."

SBTi mobilizes companies to set science-based targets and boost their competitive advantage in the transition to the low-carbon economy. It is a collaboration of CDP, U.N. Global Compact, World Resources Institute, World Wide Fund for Nature and We Mean Business.