"For generations now, Canadian dairy farmers have been stewards of the land, adapting their practices based on science and innovation," said Pierre Lampron, president, Dairy Farmers of Canada.
"Our leadership in the area of sustainability is already recognized internationally, as we have one of the lowest carbon footprints per liter of milk produced."
The DFC said the goal aligns with the Government of Canada's goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 as well as international commitments. Last fall, DFC joined 11 of the world's largest dairy organizations in supporting Pathways to Dairy Net Zero, a Global Dairy Platform-sponsored commitment towards net-zero GHG emissions.
"A global effort is under way to cut emissions and reduce the direct costs of climate change on our health, our environment and our economy," said Steven Guilbeault, the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
"Every economic sector and every region needs to step up to reduce emissions. The Dairy Farmers of Canada's commitment to achieving net-zero shows important leadership and our Government will continue to support our collective efforts to get there."
"The Federal government set the objective, but can only achieve it with the support of industry partners," Lampron added.
"Achieving this objective will require dairy farmers to adapt, but will also require that effective government supports are in place."
Reaching 'zero' will be done through emissions reduction and GHG removal offsets. Other strategies will include qualitative targets related to soil and land, water, biodiversity, waste, and energy.
"We have committed to an objective, we have key strategies, and now we will further engage with our dairy farmers in the development of the basket of initiatives from which producers can choose to move the dial on sustainability, while respecting the uniqueness of each farm," Lampron said.