UK dairy farming benefits environment says report

The virtues of UK dairy farming, including its contribution to nutrition, health and environmental sustainability, are highlighted in a new report by the AHDB.

The report, ‘Balancing health and sustainability: The role of dairy in the UK diet, shows that UK dairy provides affordable, sustainable and culturally acceptable food that supports good health.

Written by independent nutritionists and AHDB experts, the report also highlights that well-managed livestock systems can offer key environmental benefits. 

See also: Dairy farmers asked to shape future environmental targets

These include carbon storage, habitat management and improved soil health – efforts which support the UK’s net-zero ambitions.

The AHDB’s head of environment, Rachael Madeley-Davies, said:

“Our review brings together the evidence to show that UK dairy farming is not only efficient, but actively working towards sustainability targets, highlighting that it is among the most efficient and sustainable globally, with emissions intensity down 22% since 1990.”

Environmental impact

The report highlights that milk production now accounts for 2.8% of UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a GWP100 basis (excluding potential carbon sequestration).

Additionally, 2024 Defra data shows that, while 69% of the UK’s countryside is farmland, 56% consists of permanent grassland or rough grazing, often unsuitable for crop cultivation.

Consequently, the report argues, raising cattle for milk and meat makes the best use of this land.

Incomplete picture

However, the AHDB stresses that national reporting on GHG emissions and carbon sequestration and storage frequently provides an incomplete picture of the industry’s net climate impact.

“The role of dairy in the UK has received plenty of media attention and debate over the past few years, but the evidence around its impact on the environment is disjointed and often lacking,” added Mrs Madeley-Davies.

To address this, the AHDB says, a whole-farm approach is needed so that net emissions and sequestration are consistently reflected in national accounting and product footprinting.

Dairy health benefits

The health benefits of including dairy in a balanced diet are also highlighted, and the AHDB says that calls to reduce animal-sourced foods for sustainability often overlook nutrient needs, cultural fit and overall diet quality.

AHDB head of nutrition and health, Kate Arthur, said: “Dairy is a cornerstone of UK nutrition, supplying essential nutrients like calcium, iodine and high-quality protein through all stages of life.”