Supply chain unites to chart new era of sustainable dairy

First published07 July 2025

Environment and climate

A new phase of the Dairy Roadmap has been unveiled – but what does it mean for dairy producers? 

In an ‘industry first’ the dairy sector has announced a new coalition involving farmers, processors, retailers and wholesalers working together to address and chart a new era for sustainable dairy production. 

Formerly known as the Milk Roadmap, the Dairy Roadmap has been setting sustainability targets and ambitions for nearly 18 years, producing progress reports and driving positive environmental change across the dairy sector. 

It has also helped to demonstrate and promote positive actions taken by the supply chain to reduce its footprint. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to improved energy and water efficiency, the roadmap is one of the longest standing and best-regarded food industry roadmaps in the UK today.

The costs and complexities of compliance are significant, and dairy farmers cannot meet them alone.”

NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins

Farmers at the centre

The UK dairy sector is committed to working together under a new, broader Dairy Roadmap governance structure – with farmers at the centre – to enable the industry to take the lead when it comes to meeting key climate nature and water goals. 

It will ensure future action works alongside productive, profitable dairy businesses and takes into account the funding and innovations needed to reach key sustainability goals.

From the drop in cattle numbers seen in recent years in Ireland, to the Danish ‘carbon tax’ and the nitrate issues facing Dutch dairy farmers, it is clear to see at an international level how much of an impact increasingly restrictive regulation is having. 

The roadmap will also oversee the creation of a new Sustainable Dairy Pathways report. Independently conducted and involving the entire value chain, the report will help drive a sense of shared accountability and cohesion when it comes to tackling the challenges facing the industry.

The report will be published in 2026. 

Refreshed, collaborative approach

On the launch of the next phase, NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins said: “For many years, the Dairy Roadmap has served as a valuable platform to highlight continuous improvement in our sector. As customer and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, it is clear that the entire sector must rise to this growing challenge in order to maintain our valued place in baskets.

“The costs and complexities of compliance are significant, and dairy farmers cannot meet them alone. We are pleased to be embarking on a refreshed, collaborative approach to driving environmental performance.”

In the coming months, dairy farmers and other industry stakeholders across the UK will be invited to help shape the independent Sustainable Pathways Report. For more information on the Dairy Roadmap, visit dairyroadmap.co.uk.

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