Growing confidence in dairy's role in health and sustainability: NDC survey insights
Source: The DairyNews
Recent research conducted by the National Dairy Council (NDC) reveals that 83% of Irish consumers believe dairy is an essential component of a healthy, balanced diet. This marks a 4% increase from a similar survey conducted in May 2023.
The NDC survey highlights that 71% of respondents trust Irish dairy farmers to manage environmental sustainability responsibly. Over 16,000 dairy farmers are actively engaged in sustainability initiatives, reflecting a 6% increase in public recognition since May 2023 and a 1% increase since February 2024.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported a 4.6% reduction in agricultural emissions in 2023, underscoring the positive impact of these sustainability efforts.
Mark Keller, interim CEO of the NDC, emphasized that the survey results indicate strong public support for the Irish dairy industry, which encompasses 17,500 family farms, supports 55,000 jobs, and generates €6.3 billion in export revenues. Keller highlighted the industry's commitment to environmental sustainability through innovative farming practices such as soil sampling, low-emission fertilisers, and GPS-guided fertiliser spreading.
“These measures are showing results, as evidenced by the reduction in agricultural emissions reported by the EPA,” Keller stated. He acknowledged the unprecedented environmental challenges faced by the dairy sector and stressed the importance of recognizing genuine efforts to improve environmental performance rather than dismissing them as 'greenwashing'.
Keller concluded by noting that consumer opinion research demonstrates robust support for dairy farmers across all age groups in Ireland. “While there is always room for improvement, the narrative of high-quality Irish dairy and its global significance will continue to be championed,” he said.
