Conclusions from the IDF Dairy Farming Summit on climate change

Conclusions and take home messages from the IDF Dairy Farming Summit on climate change in Edinburgh June 25-27, 2008

What have I learnt?

• There is a considerable willingness internationally from the dairy industry to embrace this agenda and this agenda is already having many profound impacts in different parts of the World
  
• Good communication is needed, both with farmers themselves, but also with the consumer and retailers. To achieve this, simple messages need to be found. One example in the UK is an excellent website www.farmingfutures.co.uk.
  
• Currently there are not answers to all the questions being asked. Our innovation tool kit is only half full and needs topped up from the products of a better funded and more sophisticated, R&D programme.
  
• Methane production is a massive issue right around the World. But one must not loose sight of a bigger issue, Nitrous Oxide emissions from soils. Research shown to the delegates, carried out by the Scottish Agriculture College, showed that the use of Nitrogen Inhibitors could work as well in the Northern Hemisphere, as in New Zealand and will have a very big role to play in reducing Nitrous Oxide emissions from the soil.
  
• There are still considerable Policy Barriers which limit how much a farmer can do. For example, with in the EU, the Waste Directive classifies that digestate from a multiple feed stocks, Anaerobic Digester, as waste and not as organic manure. This stops the use of the digestate as a very good and stable form of nutrient for food producers. Work is on going in the UK to try and resolve this issue, but is still a barrier right across the EU
  
• Climate Change can not be looked at in isolation! Farm solutions must be part of a much wider solution which also allows the World’s population to be fed, watered and fuelled. The size of this challenge now, needs a second “Green Revolution” in agriculture production, not seen since the 1950’s and 60’s.
  
• Agriculture should not be allowed to be seen as the problem. If we are to have a sustainable World population going forward, Agriculture will be key in providing the ultimate solution, to feed, to provide clean water and to fuel the World, with in a managed Global but changing climate.

How can dairy farmers best be involved in the ongoing policy making?

• It is imperative that the Dairy Sector is seen to and does stay engaged with this debate, otherwise Policies, both Government and Retailer led, will be created and forced upon the sector without constructive industry input.
  
• IDF members must continue to work constructively with other existing farmer and industry representative bodies. It is imperative that the sector works up a well thought out, scientifically based position, and then goes into discussions with a single voice.
  
• Show both Governments and Retailers constructive engagement. For example “The UK Milk Road Map;” and the “UK Agriculture Climate Change Task Force,” led by the National Farmers Union, The Country Landowners & Business Association, and the Agricultural Industry’s Confederation.