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New Zealand dairy farmers must be more sustainable
Dairy farming in New Zealand is sustainable, but not a leader in terms of sustainability. Colleagues in the US and Europe who keep cows in stables have more options for sustainability than their Kiwi colleagues. But better nutrition also helps a lot.
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Nestlé head of dairy purchasing Bruno Spire said this during a dairy conference in New Zealand. Nestlé is one of the largest dairy companies in the world and has locations in dozens of countries.
Spire mainly spoke in terms of opportunities for New Zealanders, but clearly indicated that they must do more to become a leader in sustainability again. There is work to be done, especially in the area of CO2 emissions (including methane and ammonia). Grazing does not necessarily score very well on this.
Asked how consumers will react as cows become more stabled and the image of the sector becomes more industrial, Spire said he believes consumers do not understand how meat, vegetables and milk are produced. “Some ask and some want to understand, but overall they don't really know what it's all about,” New Zealand's Farmers Weekly notes. “What they (consumers) are asking for is that the product is safe and that it is produced sustainably.”