Dairy plays an essential role in sustainable food systems
Dairy’s unique nutrient package is hard to replace—it is one of the most affordable and accessible sources of high-quality protein and three of the four critical nutrients most often lacking in Americans’ diets: calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. But just as important is dairy’s impact on the planet and our communities, and how the industry is raising the bar on social and environmental responsibility.
Sustainable Wellness
Dairy is a nutritious and affordable choice that fuels overall wellness.
- Dairy foods are linked to health benefits like reduced inflammation, improved digestive health and healthy immune systems.
- The 2020-25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize that dairy foods play an important role in healthy eating patterns from infancy through adulthood. Read more about how dairy foods help people thrive across the lifespan.
- Milk is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with 13 essential nutrients.
Sustainable Planet
Dairy is committed to being an environmental solution – raising the bar on social and environmental responsibility.
- U.S. dairy was the first agricultural sector to commission a life cycle assessment on fluid milk, which showed that dairy accounts for just 2% of total GHG emissions in the U.S. Read about dairy sustainability efforts here.
- In 2020, U.S. dairy set aggressive new environmental sustainability goals to achieve GHG neutrality, optimize water usage and improve water quality by 2050.
- Cows come first on dairy farms. The comfort, feeding and care for their animals is a dairy farmer’s top concern. Read more about how Washington farmers care for their cows.
- Washington dairy farms are leading the nation in sustainable farming innovation. Four local farms have been awarded Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability Awards, receiving national recognition for environmental stewardship. Read about how one farmer is breaking barriers by using worms.
- See for yourself. Take a virtual tour of dairy farms in Washington to see how sustainable practices are integrated throughout their farms.
Sustainable Communities
Dairy contributes to strong, thriving communities and is accessible to all. Dairy farmers are proud members of America’s essential workforce.
- The dairy community is working hard to ensure every child has access to nutrient-rich foods, including dairy foods, to help them grow, learn, and thrive. We work with schools state-wide to integrate innovative breakfast and lunch meal programs.
- Each year, farmers and dairy companies work with local food banks to deliver nutritious dairy foods to those in need, providing 469 million pounds of dairy—such as milk, cheese, and yogurt—to Feeding America in 2020 alone.
Looking for more information on how dairy nourishes people while responsibly caring for our planet and animals?
Join the Dairy Nourishes Network. Members of the network receive the latest dairy research, resources, and recipes, as well as opportunities for free continuing education.
