Kevin Maher
Senior Executive, Dairy Sustainability Ireland
Dairy Sustainability Ireland (DSI) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to secure the future of the nation’s unique grass-based, family farm production system.
Outlined in the recently published “DSI: A Pathway for Sustainable Dairy,” the initiative articulates a clear commitment to producing safe and nutritious dairy products in a viable manner, while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
The Pathway aligns with global sustainability movements while safeguarding the sector’s competitive advantage and providing a consistent framework for delivering sustainability actions across the value chain.
Championing environmental stewardship
Environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of this new strategy. With approximately 92% of Ireland’s agricultural area consisting of grassland, the livestock sector plays a vital role in managing the natural landscape. The document sets out robust targets and mitigation measures:
- Water Quality: Backed by the €60 million Farming for Water EIP programme, the sector is incentivising the implementation of supplementary water quality measures and nature-based solutions at the individual farm level.
- Emissions Reduction: The sector aims to deliver a 25% reduction in farm-level greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, relative to 2018. This is heavily supported by an ongoing €35 million annual processor investment designed to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices.
- Biodiversity and Soil Health: DSI is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the area dedicated to nature and driving improvements in soil fertility to minimise chemical fertiliser requirements.
With approximately 92% of Ireland’s agricultural area consisting of grassland,
the livestock sector plays a vital role in managing the natural landscape
Safeguarding rural economies
Beyond environmental targets, “DSI: A Pathway for Sustainable Dairy” underscores the critical need for economic resilience and social sustainability.
The dairy sector is a massive economic driver; it generated €17.6 billion in total output in 2022 and supported an estimated 54,000 full-time equivalent jobs, which is vital for maintaining vibrancy in rural communities. To safeguard these livelihoods amid unprecedented volatility, DSI is advocating for greater regulatory and policy certainty, allowing farmers and processors to confidently plan essential long-term investments.
Through collaboration across processors, farmers and policymakers, this roadmap promises measurable impacts and absolute transparency in the years leading up to 2030.
