Driving methane reductions in dairy with ambitious climate targets

Context: Reducing Methane emissions is essential in the fight against climate change, as Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a significant impact on global warming.

Partners: Danone, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Global Methane Hub, Cornell University Farmers across 20 countries, Partners for Growth (P4G), U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Agency for International Development and peer organizations.

Duration: Ongoing, with targets set for 2030

Location: Global, across fresh milk markets, for example with active programs in the United States, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Romania Brazil, Mexico, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, and India

Impact Achieved:

• Danone was among the first companies to have its 1.5°C target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG).
• As of 2023, Danone had already achieved a 13.3% reduction, against a 2020 baseline.
• Danone is the first corporate contributor to the Global Methane Hub’s Enteric Accelerator designed to coordinate R&D for emerging technologies and accelerate use for commercial on-farm application.

Description:

Danone, a global leader in the food industry, has launched an ambitious initiative to reduce methane emissions from its fresh milk supply chain by 30% by 2030, against a 2020 baseline, aligning with the Global Methane Pledge introduced at COP26. This initiative is a key component of Danone’s broader strategy to transform livestock production and meet the 1.5°C global warming target. Since 2017, Danone has been deploying its Regenerative Agriculture Program, focusing on a 360° approach to achieve holistic farm impact. This includes herd management, feed optimization, manure management, and innovative methane reduction solutions. Collaboration with partners such as the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has led to the creation of the Dairy Methane Action Alliance (DMAA), which now includes eight leading dairy companies working to prioritize methane reduction across their supply chains. Danone leverages innovative tools like the Cool Farm Tool and CAP2ER in France to assess emissions and provide farmers with targeted strategies. Collaboration with partners such as the EDF, the Global Methane Hub and commercial partners through its Partners for Growth (P4G) helps scale these solutions and improve Methane policies. The initiative also prioritizes soil health and biodiversity, while advocating for enhanced Methane data, reporting, and financing models to support its goals. Danone has partnered with Cornell University to trial seaweed-based feed additives, like Symbrosia’s SeaGraze technology, and with Zoetis to introduce new breeding and genetic selection technology. Additionally, Danone is using Bovaer, a feed additive from DSM, in parts of the European market to achieve up to a 30% methane reduction per cow, with plans for expansion into other key markets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s climate-smart initiative is enhancing Danone’s manure and nutrient management practices across its U.S. supply chain. Additionally, as a founding partner in U.S.A.I.D.’s “Advancing Women in Agricultural Supply Chains” initiative, Danone supports smallholder farms, particularly in North Africa, to improve yields, environmental outcomes, and livelihoods.

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The Food Systems Call to Action is a global initiative that urges non-state actors and governments to take immediate steps to transform food systems by 2030. It highlights the urgent need for resilient, sustainable, and equitable approaches that support food security, protect nature, and address climate change. Through targeted actions and principles, the Call to Action emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—ensuring that farmers, frontline workers, Indigenous communities, and other key players are at the forefront of decision-making and implementation.