Processors boost GHG credentials
Dairy's superpowers are lifting their game on proving greenhouse gas credentials.
French dairy giant Danone says its popular NZ-made infant formula Karicare will become carbon neutral by 2030.
The company says it is working with its New Zealand suppliers and farmers to “foster regenerative agricultural practices and improve soil health, continue to invest in decarbonisation of operations and focus on packaging”.
Karicare carbon emissions associated with operations is a significant area of focus for Danone.
A $30 million biomass boiler to provide renewable heat at its spray drying facility in Balclutha will be operational next year, eliminating around 20,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Danone will also move to 100% renewable electricity for all its New Zealand plants next year. It says between the move to renewable energy and biomass-based heating, the total operational CO2 emissions at the Balclutha plant will be reduced by 95%.
It is also working to eliminate unneeded packaging, or design it for recycling, reusing or composting.
Managing director Nutricia Oceania, Rodrigo Lima, says Karicare’s journey to carbon neutrality is greatly aided by its production in New Zealand.
“At Danone, our core belief is that the health of the planet and health of people are interconnected.
“That’s why we’re committed to taking real steps that help us bring our products to market in a way that minimises any impact on climate change, including transitioning production of our milk formula products to practices that are more sustainable.”
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.