At COP28, U.S. dairy farmers show the world their progress in environmental matters

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 9 December 2023 (IICA) - At COP28, U.S. dairy farmers showed the international community the contributions the sector is making to global food security and the steps it is taking to reduce its environmental impact.

Nicholas Gardner, Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs at the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), explained that the sector views the United Nations Climate Change Conference as a  forum in which agriculture is gaining prominence.

“Although climate negotiations involve many discussions about agriculture, even regarding agricultural policies, it wasn’t until recently that the sector secured a spot at the discussion table. So, U.S. producers, represented here by USDEC, decided to amplify their voices at the event. We are especially grateful to the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for the efforts it has been undertaking to strengthen the sector’s positioning”, remarked Gardner.

The producer participated in several events at the Home of Sustainable Agriculture of the Americas pavilion, which IICA installed at COP28 together with its 34 Member States and strategic private sector partners.  

“Animal production is facing growing challenges. There are sectors that want to remove livestock farming from agrifood systems. Our participation here is therefore crucial, so that we can share the efforts we are undertaking to reduce our environmental impact while guaranteeing the planet’s food and nutritional security. We also hope to include in the agenda the role of international trade as a key tool for eradicating hunger and making production more sustainable”, he said.

Environmental principles

According to Gardner, in 2020, the dairy sector established three guiding principles with respect to climate. The first is to achieve carbon neutrality; the second is to improve water quality through good nutrient management; and the third is to reduce water use and increase recycling.

“We set these goals”, he explained. “We know that we will achieve them if we focus on productivity and efficiency, and if we prioritize new technologies and innovative practices. It is very important that we measure and report on our progress. We are certain that we can care for the environment while also increasing productivity”.

Gardner described IICA as a very valuable partner for dairy farmers. In that regard, he explained that the Institute “has given farmers a voice, fostered sustainable agriculture, and underscored the importance of science to implement the changes that are currently underway. IICA has been very helpful in raising the profile of agriculture in environmental discussions, because when IICA speaks, people listen. We acknowledge the role it plays in defending livestock farming and helping the agriculture sector of the entire hemisphere to speak with a single voice”. 

More information:
Institutional Communication Division.
comunicacion.institucional@iica.in