Why set ourselves the goal of becoming carbon neutral?

Even though our dairy production’s carbon footprint is one of the lowest in the world — almost three times lower than the global average¹ — it still has an environmental impact, and we must be part of the solution. Dairy producers are already making numerous efforts that are yielding results², but there is still work to be done, which is highlighted in our marketing campaign, Raising the Bar (On élève la barre). In 2022, consumers are no longer just buying milk; they are also buying into how it is produced. ¹ 0.93 kg eCO2 per kg of milk vs. 2.50 kg eCO2 per kg of milk. ² The most recent life cycle analysis of milk (2016) showed that milk production in Quebec reduced its carbon footprint by 8.7%, its water consumption by 12.5%, and its land use by 16.2% over five years.

How will these goals be achieved?

To achieve carbon neutrality, efforts will focus on four key areas: Conducting an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions on farms to establish a baseline; Continuing investments in research to identify new practices and technologies that will help producers further reduce their emissions; Supporting producers on the farm, notably through the training of advisors who will assist them in implementing best practices; Developing collective projects, including increasing the use of emissions from manure to produce biogas that can be converted into energy.

What performance indicators will be tracked in achieving carbon neutrality?

The performance indicator at the individual farm level is the assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using a calculation tool. Calculation tools already exist, and others are being developed to allow producers to estimate the carbon footprint of their own farms. Notably, the Agriclimat project from the Quebec Agricultural Development Council (CDAQ) is working on this aspect. Additionally, the environmental questionnaire from our proAction certification program will track the progress of environmental practices implemented by producers. At the Quebec level, our performance indicator will be the carbon footprint of one liter of milk, which is determined through the environmental life cycle analysis (LCA). The LCA is typically updated every five years and allows us to monitor progress.

How does Canada compare to the rest of the world in terms of carbon footprint?

Canada’s carbon footprint per liter of milk produced is one of the lowest in the world. It is nearly three times lower than the global average (0.92 kg eCO2 per kg of milk vs. 2.50 kg eCO2 per kg of milk). Furthermore, Canada ranks ahead of countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Is there a plan to request financial assistance from the government for the actions that will be taken?

During the annual general meeting, producers clearly expressed their expectations to the government for the financial support needed to enable producers to meet societal expectations, both in terms of environmental stewardship and animal welfare. The dairy producers of Quebec utilize all funds provided by the government to undertake projects that can help achieve our objectives. Members of the dairy sector have committed in various ways to sustainable development. Both environmental protection, with carbon neutrality goals, and animal welfare are important components of our commitments. These initiatives are not pursued without challenges and additional costs. Thus, the costs and risks associated with implementing mitigation measures, along with the expertise and support from transfer organizations, must be supported by the government.

What new actions will producers take on their farms to achieve this objective?

Achieving carbon neutrality will involve both individual and collective actions. Research findings will be tested in commercial settings and evaluated for their profitability. Best practices for reducing the carbon footprint will be communicated to producers, who will be encouraged to adopt those that are most applicable to their operations. Work is underway to enable producers to assess the carbon footprint of their farms, eventually allowing everyone to track their results.

Q&A

Carbon Neutrality

Les Producteurs de lait du Québec are committed to a sustainable development approach, supported by the Éco-Conseil Chair of UQAC, which has been tasked with conducting an organizational assessment and helping to develop an action plan with specific targets and concrete actions.

The objectives of this initiative are to highlight the sustainable development efforts of dairy producers, encompassing not only environmental aspects but also social and economic contributions, and to demonstrate responsibility by being part of the solution. It is equally important to communicate to the public the achievements, commitments, and actions of local dairy producers.

Even though our dairy production’s carbon footprint is one of the lowest in the world — almost three times lower than the global average¹ — it still has an environmental impact, and we must be part of the solution.
Dairy producers are already making numerous efforts that are yielding results², but there is still work to be done, which is highlighted in our marketing campaign, Raising the Bar (On élève la barre).
In 2022, consumers are no longer just buying milk; they are also buying into how it is produced.

¹ 0.93 kg eCO2 per kg of milk vs. 2.50 kg eCO2 per kg of milk.
² The most recent life cycle analysis of milk (2016) showed that milk production in Quebec reduced its carbon footprint by 8.7%, its water consumption by 12.5%, and its land use by 16.2% over five years.

To achieve carbon neutrality, efforts will focus on four key areas:

Conducting an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions on farms to establish a baseline;
Continuing investments in research to identify new practices and technologies that will help producers further reduce their emissions;
Supporting producers on the farm, notably through the training of advisors who will assist them in implementing best practices;
Developing collective projects, including increasing the use of emissions from manure to produce biogas that can be converted into energy.

The performance indicator at the individual farm level is the assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using a calculation tool. Calculation tools already exist, and others are being developed to allow producers to estimate the carbon footprint of their own farms. Notably, the Agriclimat project from the Quebec Agricultural Development Council (CDAQ) is working on this aspect.
Additionally, the environmental questionnaire from our proAction certification program will track the progress of environmental practices implemented by producers.
At the Quebec level, our performance indicator will be the carbon footprint of one liter of milk, which is determined through the environmental life cycle analysis (LCA). The LCA is typically updated every five years and allows us to monitor progress.

Canada’s carbon footprint per liter of milk produced is one of the lowest in the world. It is nearly three times lower than the global average (0.92 kg eCO2 per kg of milk vs. 2.50 kg eCO2 per kg of milk).
Furthermore, Canada ranks ahead of countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

During the annual general meeting, producers clearly expressed their expectations to the government for the financial support needed to enable producers to meet societal expectations, both in terms of environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
The dairy producers of Quebec utilize all funds provided by the government to undertake projects that can help achieve our objectives.
Members of the dairy sector have committed in various ways to sustainable development. Both environmental protection, with carbon neutrality goals, and animal welfare are important components of our commitments.
These initiatives are not pursued without challenges and additional costs. Thus, the costs and risks associated with implementing mitigation measures, along with the expertise and support from transfer organizations, must be supported by the government.

Achieving carbon neutrality will involve both individual and collective actions.
Research findings will be tested in commercial settings and evaluated for their profitability.
Best practices for reducing the carbon footprint will be communicated to producers, who will be encouraged to adopt those that are most applicable to their operations.
Work is underway to enable producers to assess the carbon footprint of their farms, eventually allowing everyone to track their results.