THE Australian dairy industry has again taken the lead on sustainability in agriculture by publishing a sector-wide action plan to reduce food waste.
Dairy is the first Australian agricultural sector to take this significant step, setting a goal to halve food waste by 2030.
Dairy Australia managing director, Dr David Nation, said food waste from the dairy supply chain has previously been identified as one of the six highest Australian food waste sources.
The Dairy Sector Food Waste Action Plan was developed by Dairy Australia in collaboration with the Australian Dairy Products Federation and Stop Food Waste Australia, and with input from dairy businesses across the country.
Janine Waller, executive director of the Australian Dairy Products Federation, said that sustainability and good practices are important for dairy farms, dairy manufacturers, and for the future of the planet.
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“Together, we have identified 10 key actions to reduce waste – from investing in R&D and technical solutions, to effective inventory management systems to monitor and report on waste, partnering with food rescue organisations, promoting sustainable packaging solutions, and educating consumers through product labelling and storage advice," she said.
Chief operating officer Mark Barthel at Stop Food Waste Australia, said that food waste is a $36 billion challenge in Australia and if successfully implemented the initiatives in this plan will deliver significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.
“Reducing dairy food waste across the supply chain can save millions of dollars annually," he said.
"Studies show that just a one per cent reduction in food waste could result in savings of up to $10 million for dairy manufacturers, which would increase their ability to remain competitive in local and international markets.
"Effectively preventing and managing dairy food waste can reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 per cent, while also conserving water and energy and significantly reducing ecological footprint.”
The Dairy Sector Food Waste Action Plan aligns with the goal of the Australian government and Australian Dairy Industry Council to halve food waste by 2030.
The 10 key actions to reduce waste are:
* Monitor dairy food waste across the supply chain.
* Implement practices that prevent process waste.
* Investigate technology solutions that turn processing waste and packaged goods into animal feed.
* Increase options for more DAF sludge to be composted.
* Increase awareness for more edible dairy food to go to food rescue sector
* Assess commercial feasibility of diverting excess whey to third-party processors.
* Promote value if improving labelling and storage advice of dairy food products.
* Investigate technology platforms that can help reduce dairy waste.
* Behavior change programs to support households minimise dairy food waste.
* Investigate technology platforms that can help reduce dairy food waste.
