Industry Engagement

In order to avoid duplication of efforts, we have benchmarked a range of regional sustainability standards against our VisionDairy charter and are open to benchmarking further standards. Furthermore, we are an active member of the SAI’s Dairy Working Group to engage in a dialogue and joint projects with others in the industry.

Addressing Emissions

Dairy is one of the major drivers behind our corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint. Reducing carbon footprints is one of the key principles in our VisionDairy charter and we are working with our suppliers to understand their current carbon footprints as well as roadmaps and targets. Barry Callebaut is further working with several companies who have developed innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in dairy, such as feed additives to reduce methane from enteric fermentation. We are actively engaging our suppliers on the topic to jointly reduce emissions. For example, we actively avoid methane emissions from dairy cattle using feed additives in our supply chains through a registered Verra project. This leading work with an essential oil-based feed additive leads to an absolute reduction in methane, while improving milk production and farmer economic performance for over one hundred farms participating in a validated Verra carbon program. Full details on the projects validity and methodology can be found on this page. These carbon avoided emissions will be utilized where they can be inset for our own carbon footprint, in the value chain, and as offsets where necessary. VCUs may be issued for the greenhouse gas emission reductions and removals associated with dairy products within the United States, where practicable. We are also working with suppliers and customers to develop and implement regenerative agriculture plans including cover crop in two major supply sheds in the US. This will lead to improved soil health, water quality, decreased GHG emissions, and farmer profitability.