FrieslandCampina joins forces to reduce emission from Dutch cows

16-Mar-2020 - Netherlands

From cow feed to chocolate, the chain of companies in that process want to reduce greenhouse gases. Chocolate and cocoa products manufacturer Barry Callebaut and dairy company FrieslandCampina both strive to be carbon neutral and team up with feed additive producer Agolin and feed provider Agrifirm. This entire production chain will do a pilot to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a cow feed additive. Starting this month, a group of FrieslandCampina’s and Agrifirm’s member farmers will test this product for a year.

FrieslandCampina wants to lead with sustainability, in the entire chain from grass to glass. The company supports and rewards their member farmers for their relentless efforts to produce milk with a lower environmental impact. This is why FrieslandCampina has joined forces with the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, Barry Callebaut, to explore new ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With this pilot, a selected group of member farmers can test an extra hands-on opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of their farm.

Spices and herbs

During this pilot the member farmers will test Agolin’s feed additive, which is provided in a mineral mixture by Agrifirm. The feed additive is a blend of plant extracts from spices and herbs which can reduce the methane emission of cows. Trials have shown an expected reduction of methane of 14% enteric emissions per kilogram of milk (as claimed by Carbon Trust). The data gathered during the pilot form the foundation to make fact based decisions for next steps.

Cooperative sustainability

Simone Boitelle, Director Corporate Affairs & Communications at FrieslandCampina: “We’re excited that an important customer such as Barry Callebaut joins us on our ‘lead with sustainability’ journey. For us it’s in our DNA to work together for the long-term, to truly make a measurable sustainable impact. That’s what we call cooperative sustainability. And that’s exactly what we are doing now with our partners. From feed to cow, from milk to chocolate.”

https://www.yumda.com/en/news/1165411/frieslandcampina-joins-forces-to-reduce-emission-from-dutch-cows.html