Carbon neutrality objective: the dairy sector sees green

Evolution, innovation, transformation: thanks to the commitment and ingenuity of our milk producers, who do everything they can to reduce their environmental footprint, we’re on our way to meeting the challenge!

The target is ambitious – but realistic – and it is taken seriously by the tight-knit community of dairy farmers and their agri-environmental allies. The good news ? Our dairy sector has already taken a considerable step forward in terms of sustainable development. It must be said that milk producers, who are close to their animals as well as to their land and who live in symbiosis with nature, are at the forefront of observing that the devastating effects of climate change must be countered without delay. And it’s not from yesterday! The majority of dairy farms in Quebec are family businesses that endure, which invest from generation to generation to improve their agricultural management and which implement sustainable and responsible practices.

An unprecedented commitment

Much of the work has already begun. But our dairy farmers know that there is still a lot to do, and they are ready to roll up their sleeves – and analyze data, modernization of dairy farms requires! – to continue their momentum and even accelerate their green shift. They are also preparing for the future by implementing innovative solutions that will benefit future generations when they pass the torch to them.

Such a collective effort, combined with the transmission of knowledge and the acceleration of scientific advances in sustainable development, means that the dairy sector in Quebec is well placed to win the race against time in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. A huge project that involves reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a whole range of proactive measures. These notably target the protection and rehabilitation of soil, water systems and biodiversity, the reduction and recovery of waste, optimized energy management and the establishment of a circular economy.

Other avenues are also being explored, including the adoption of new technologies such as data-generating feeding robots and GPS-enabled smart tractors, as well as the use – and even production – of green energy. A whole program that the large family of Quebec milk producers takes to heart.

The Agriclimat project, at the service of sustainable production

Because the problems linked to the environmental crisis are multiple and the possible solutions are constantly evolving, the question of sharing knowledge is essential for farmers. Led by the Council for the Development of Agriculture in Quebec (CDAQ), the Agriclimat project has responded to this need by establishing a network of 40 pilot farms, including 10 dairy farms, which are committed to the fight against climate change.

The producers of these farms, spread over 12 regions of Quebec, work together with the support of advisors and agronomists to solve problems specific to their location and their sector of activity. Among these, three priority projects have been identified: the reduction of GHGs, in particular with the development of a high-precision tool to calculate the emissions of each farm, the optimization of carbon capture in the soil and, finally , adaptation to future climate change, which requires reflection and preparation.

The program, which runs until 2024, is supplemented in real time by regional forums open to all producers. Eventually, the results of this participatory approach will be made available to all producers and agricultural advisers in Quebec.

To know more about the efforts of Quebec milk producers.

Les Producteurs de lait du Québec take care of the administrative and political tasks related to dairy production. This way, producers can focus on what they love the most and do best: taking care of their farm and their animals!

This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.