New Zealand dairy farmers have the world’s lowest carbon footprint of milk – with significantly less emissions than other international producers – including Ireland, according to new research.
AgResearch analysis confirms New Zealand retains its outstanding position in low-emission dairy milk production, with an on-farm carbon footprint 46 per cent less than the average 18 countries studied.
New Zealand was the most efficient producer at 0.74 kg CO2e per kg FPCM (fat and protein corrected milk) almost 40 per cent more efficient when compared to 1.18 kg CO2e per kg for Ireland.
Commissioned by DairyNA, the study was independently produced by AgResearch and peer-reviewed by an international specialist in Ireland.
The research analysed 55 per cent of global milk production, including major milk production of 18 countries including Ireland, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, France and the Netherlands in Europe. Some of the worldwide countries the study looked at included Uruguay, Canada, Australia, USA, China, Costa Rica and Peru.
The average is 1.37 kg CO2e per kg FPCM. Peru clocked in as the highest emissions producer among the countries studied at 3.26 kg CO2e per kg FPCM.
The carbon footprint is measured in total greenhouse (GHG) emissions per kg of product. AgResearch scientists followed methodology in line with International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards.
LSL News.