The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy™ announced the publication of its first U.S. Dairy Sustainability Commitment Progress Report. The report is a summary of the industrywide efforts currently under way to increase the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the dairy industry.

Dating from the launch of the Sustainability Commitment in 2007 through August 2010, the report focuses on the first priority area addressed by this effort, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. In 2009, the industry announced a voluntary goal to reduce the GHG emissions of a gallon of milk by 25 percent by 2020.

"U.S. dairy is an industry of great people with strong values, who are passionate about the nutrient-rich products we supply and about our commitment to healthy people, healthy products, healthy planet," said Thomas P. Gallagher, CEO of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and Dairy Management Inc.™ "As we move forward, we are committed to continuous collaboration to realize our collective vision of forging a more sustainable and profitable U.S. dairy industry."

The U.S. Dairy Sustainability Commitment Progress Report outlines the current state of carbon in the U.S. dairy industry and key findings of the first national GHG life cycle assessment, or carbon footprint study, of fluid milk. It also presents the advancements - made possible by more than 500 volunteers - of the 10 projects that will help reduce GHG emissions and create business value across the industry. Examples of some of the many initiatives under way by dairy farms and businesses are featured throughout the report.

The report is available for download at USDairy.com/Sustainability.

About The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy

Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy provides a forum for the dairy industry to work together pre-competitively to address barriers and opportunities to foster innovation and increase sales. The Innovation Center aligns the collective resources of the industry to offer consumers nutritious dairy products and ingredients, and promote the health of people, communities, the planet and the industry. The Board of Directors for the Innovation Center includes 31 leaders representing 30 key U.S. producer organizations, dairy cooperatives, processors, manufacturers and brands. The Innovation Center is staffed by Dairy Management Inc. Visit USDairy.com for more information about the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy

Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy

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