ADIC calls for practical, science-based sustainability reporting

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has lodged a submission to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) on proposed amendments to the SASB Meat, Poultry & Dairy Standard. While supporting globally consistent sustainability reporting, ADIC has called for reporting requirements that are practical, proportionate and reflective of how Australia’s dairy industry operates.

The submission recommends that new sustainability disclosures deliver meaningful information for investors while avoiding unnecessary duplication, excessive compliance costs and reporting obligations beyond the control of dairy manufacturers and farmers. ADIC also calls for reporting metrics to be science-based, aligned with existing Australian and international frameworks, and recognise Australia’s dairy supply chain, where processors source milk from thousands of independent family-owned farms.

The submission also raises concerns about proposed requirements relating to traceability, deforestation, confined animal feeding systems and workforce reporting, recommending clearer definitions, longer implementation timeframes and greater flexibility to ensure the standards are practical, internationally consistent and deliver genuine sustainability outcomes.

More: Read ADIC’s Submission