Pastures green –sustaining cows, consumers and carbon storage

Food manufacturers face the dual challenge of feeding the world’s growing population with quality nutrition, while also tackling climate change by providing consumers with sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Here, Ann Meaney shares how the Irish cooperative Tirlán is refining generations of grass-fed dairy expertise to ensure its continued longevity.

A grass-based farming system where cows graze outdoors for most of the year is recognised1 as being a more sustainable way of farming, compared to many other models seen globally. Grass-based farming products not only benefit consumers nutritionally, but their production also benefits the environment through reduced energy consumption, compared with indoor feeding systems, while research indicates Irish milk production creates the lowest levels of CO2 emissions in the EU.2 Biodiverse grasslands, which include clover, are proven to reduce emissions from animals and milk from grass-fed animals benefits from superior compositional properties, including higher values of fat and protein compared to supplemented or total mixed ration (TMR) feeding systems. It also has higher levels of essential nutrients such as beta-carotene, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins B1, B2 and B7.

Local advantage

Ireland’s island location on the western edge of Europe affords it a temperate climate, plenty of rainfall and rich deep soils that are perfect for growing grass.

Farming on these luscious, green pasturelands dates back thousands of years and Tirlán has emerged to build a co-operative of over 6,000 family farms that constitute generations of farmers who nurture nature and care for the land.

Tirlán family farms are committed to a grass-based farming system where cows graze outdoors for most of the year. While we have a natural advantage due to our heritage and location, we understand that it is imperative to not stand still as consumers continue to look for evidence that the food they consume is produced in a sustainable manner. To that end, we have introduced Living Proof, Tirlán’s commitment to farming, food and the future. It is our sustainability promise for a better way and a better world for generations to come.

As part of Living Proof, Tirlán has committed to support its dairy farmers to deliver a 30 percent reduction in carbon intensity from milk production by 2030. In addition to carbon reduction, Tirlán has also committed to building and enhancing soil health with 100 percent of milk suppliers having a Nutrient Management Plan and Soil Testing and Fertiliser Programme by 2025. Protecting water quality is also a priority, with 100 percent of milk suppliers in Priority Areas for Action committed to having water quality plans in place by 2025, as well as safeguarding animal health and welfare with every milk supplier being certified to A Greener World animal welfare-approved standards by 2025.

Delivering on our promises

By Ann Meaney

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Evidence of our Living Proof strategy3 is seen via our passionate commitment to tackle climate change through supporting farmers on their sustainability journey. It is evident in the implementation of regenerative agriculture initiatives, through restoring soil health and championing biodiversity. It is seen in our work to safeguard and protect animal welfare, our waterways and air quality. Living Proof involves us working hand in hand with government agencies, non-government organisations (NGOs) and other decision-making organisations to ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of family farms for generations to come.

To deliver on these commitments, Tirlán has implemented a significant programme of work under Living Proof. Three key programmes to highlight are our Sustainable Action Payment, Sustainable Farming Academy and Operation Biodiversity.

Tirlán has launched an €18 million annual Sustainability Action Payment as part of a three-year programme to assist our milk suppliers as they continue to enhance the environmental and economic sustainability of their farms. The programme is designed to assist dairy suppliers in reducing their carbon footprint, enhancing water quality and biodiversity and improving air quality and soil health. As part of