UK Dairy Carbon Network launches to cut emissions while improving farm productivity

Over 50 dairy farms across the UK have been appointed to join the newly launched UK Dairy Carbon Network. This initiative, led by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and funded by Defra, aims to put practical, science-backed greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets into action on commercial farms.

The project brings together a UK-wide consortium of leading research institutions and industry organizations with one mission: to show that reducing emissions can improve farm efficiency and productivity.

Speaking to Food Ingredients First, Paul Flanagan, dairy sector director at Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) says: “Participation is voluntary and the selected farms represent a broad cross-section of farming systems and business sizes.”

“We’re using consistent data collection methods to ensure results are meaningful and comparable. The project includes independent scientific oversight from academic partners and research bodies. Methods and results will be peer-reviewed and shared transparently. The project lasts for three years.”

Beyond the 50 original appointed farms, Flanagan notes that learnings will be shared throughout the project via case studies and events. “At the end of the project, final results and practical guidance for the wider industry will be published,” he adds. 

Commenting on the technological approaches, Flanagan stresses that the project will demonstrate “proven, practical ways to lower on-farm GHG emissions.”

“This voluntary, farmer-focused initiative is designed to provide farmers and the industry with evidence of practical steps to reduce greenhouse emissions,” he adds. 

Progress monitoring 

The farms are grouped into four regional networks: South and South-West England/Wales; Cumbria and South-West Scotland; North-West England and Northern Ireland. Work is gathering partial carbon footprints for each farm to inform discussions on options to reduce GHGs and monitor progress over time.

“We are delighted to have brought together such a strong network of dairy farmers,” says professor Steven Morrison, project director at AFBI. “These farms will act as living examples of what can be achieved when practical science meets on-the-ground know-how. The learnings we generate will be shared widely to help the whole sector move forward together.”

Over the three-year program, farms will implement and assess a range of approaches proven to reduce emissions, selected from five priority areas identified by the project. The areas are breeding for reduced methane, optimizing feed formulation, improving health and disease control, enhancing forage quality and utilization, and enhancing nutrient planning.

Farm liaison officers in each region will work closely with the appointed farms, providing support and facilitating opportunities through open days, walks, and peer-to-peer events. These activities are designed to accelerate learning, helping farmers across the UK see the benefits of GHG-reducing practices in action.

By demonstrating practical solutions on real farms in Britain, the UK Dairy Carbon Network aims to break down barriers to change and fast-track the adoption of methods that reduce GHG emissions while also supporting the long-term resilience and profitability of the UK dairy industry.