Australian Dairy Industry Council and Dairy Australia Submission to the Sustainable Finance Strategy Consultation Paper

Dairy Sustainability and Existing Reporting Sustainability is a key focus for the Australian dairy sector – with dairy farmers implementing sustainable systems on farm in their role as land stewards and to meet the challenge of climate change adaptation, right through to dairy processors seeking to reduce waste, packaging, energy and climate emissions.

The Australian Dairy industry is focused on continuous improvement in both dairy farm and processor practice.

Launched in 2012, the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework (ADSF) has publicly reported on the industry’s sustainability improvements under four sustainability commitments, each with goals and measurable indicators.

Goal 10 focuses on reducing emissions intensity across the whole industry (farm and dairy companies), with a target of 30% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 based on 2015-16 levels.

This submission reiterates the ADIC positions previously outlined in submissions to Treasury’s consultation on Climate Related Financial Disclosure and to the ACCC’s Draft Guidance for Business on Environmental and Sustainability Claims (Draft Guidance) [Greenwashing consultation]. It also aligns with the views of the National Farmers Federation. Our submission provides responses to key questions only.

ADIC and DA have asked Treasury continue to consult with the dairy industry in the development of the new framework for reducing barriers to investment into sustainable activities, noting the considerable implications and costs this could have to the sector.

Read the submission here.