Taking action on farm

As part of our 'Taking action on-farm' series, we explore what our farmers are doing at an individual level to reduce emissions intensity. 

Fonterra’s Climate Roadmap outlines our near term targets including our action plan for how the Co-operative will deliver a reduction in on-farm GHG emissions by 30% per tonne of Fat and Protein Corrected Milk (FPCM)* between FY18 and FY30. We expect that approximately 7% of the on-farm emissions intensity reduction will come from best practice farming¹.

Our pasture-based farming system helps New Zealand farmers to be amongst the world’s most emissions efficient dairy producers², but there is more work to do. Our biggest opportunity to reduce farming emissions right now is by driving greater efficiencies and improve on existing resources. This includes improving herd performance, optimising nutrients from fertiliser, minimising energy use on-farms, and delivering the optimal nutrition to cows. 

We recently spoke with one of our Waikato farmer shareholders, Pete Morgan, about his efforts to reduce emissions intensity on his farm. Pete believes New Zealand farmers understand the role emissions play in the impact on the climate, and like his peers, Pete is committed to looking after New Zealand’s unique environment.  

As a co-operative, Fonterra are supporting farmers to achieve good farming practices to contribute to soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and animal wellbeing. And we’re continuing to drive emissions reductions across our value chain to meet our near-term targets and bring our sustainability progress through to every NZMP™ product you purchase.