According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a review of scientific evidence has “confirmed dairy’s essential contribution” to healthy diets and the UK’s environmental ambitions.
The dairy report was co-written by independent nutritionists alongside researchers on human health and the environment at AHDB.
AHDB’s head of Environment, Rachael Madeley-Davies, stated: “The role of dairy in the UK has received plenty of media attention and debate over the last few years, but the evidence around its impact on the environment is disjointed and often lacking.
“Our review brings together the evidence to show that UK dairy farming is not only efficient but actively working towards sustainability targets, highlighting that it is among the most efficient and sustainable globally, with emissions intensity down 22% since 1990.”
The report shared the following key findings:
Health
- Dairy is a “building block” of healthy and sustainable diets and is an “affordable solution” to nutrient shortfalls in the UK.
- Considering dairy as whole food is reportedly more beneficial than just focusing on the individual nutrients they contain.
Environment
- Well-managed livestock farming systems don’t just provide food, they can offer “key environmental benefits” for the planet, such as carbon storage, habitat management and improved soil health, which the report said supports the UK’s net zero ambitions.
It found that the broader agricultural sector was working together to “enhance” the volume and quality of farm-level environmental data in order to ensure that it reflects what is happening on UK farms rather than global averages.
Kate Arthur, head of Nutrition and Health at AHDB, added: “Dairy is a cornerstone of UK nutrition, supplying essential nutrients like calcium, iodine and high-quality protein through all stages of life.
“By providing a science-led foundation for marketing and policy, we hope that this report will strengthen the sector’s position in debates on health and sustainability.”
