Kerry, a global taste and nutrition company, has launched a €6m dairy sustainability programme to support the acceleration of science-backed sustainability actions and best practices across farms in Ireland. More than 3,000 farm families across the south west of Ireland will be able to access technical and financial support through the initiative to help them transition to more sustainable farming practices. The company hopes these changes will lead to a reduction in carbon and ammonia emissions, improvements in water quality and enhanced biodiversity. 

Feeding a growing population while agricultural practices and dairy production are under environmental scrutiny is a huge challenge. The company says it will focus on reaching science-based climate targets while ensuring environmental, social and economic sustainability on its farms. 

Pat Murphy, CEO of Kerry’s Dairy Business, said: “Consumers globally want to consume food in a more sustainable way and it is important to examine how we can deliver dairy in a better way for people and the planet. Our Beyond the Horizon sustainability strategy sets out ambitious targets and our dairy business is committed to supporting our milk suppliers in the adoption of sustainable actions. Our milk-suppliers are already amongst the most sustainable milk producers in the world and we will continue to work with them to build upon that advantage and accelerate the enhancement of bio-diversity and water-quality across our catchment and in reducing carbon and ammonia emissions. 

“Our ambition is to reach over two billion people with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030. A central element of this strategy is a commitment to work with our suppliers to reduce emissions intensity by 30% across our supply chain. This dairy sustainability programme underpins our ambition to work with our milk suppliers in achieving these targets and in forging a sustainable future.”