AFBI appoints farms to lead emissions reduction efforts

UK – Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has appointed over 50 dairy farms from across the UK to join the newly launched UK Dairy Carbon Network, an initiative that puts practical, science-backed greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies into action on commercial farms.

Funded by Defra, the project brings together a UK-wide consortium of leading research institutions and industry organisations with a clear mission: to demonstrate that reducing emissions can be achieved while improving farm efficiency and productivity.

Professor Steven Morrison, Project Director at AFBI, said: “We are delighted to have brought together such a strong network of committed dairy farmers. These farms will act as living examples of what can be achieved when practical science meets on-the-ground know-how. The learnings we generate will be shared widely to help the whole sector move forward together.”

The farms are grouped into four regional networks, including South and South-West England/Wales, Cumbria and South-West Scotland, North-West England, and Northern Ireland.

Work is underway gathering partial carbon footprints for each farm to inform discussions on options to reduce GHGs and monitor progress over time.

Over the course of the three-year programme, farms will implement and assess a range of approaches proven to reduce emissions, selected from five priority areas identified by the project, which include breeding for reduced methane, optimising feed formulation, improving health and disease control, enhancing forage quality and utilization and enhanced nutrient planning.

Farm liaison officers in each region will work closely with the appointed farms, providing hands-on support and facilitating knowledge-sharing opportunities through open days, farm walks, and peer-to-peer events.

These activities are designed to accelerate learning, helping farmers across the UK see the benefits of GHG-reducing practices in action.

By demonstrating practical solutions on real farms, the UK Dairy Carbon Network aims to break down barriers to change and fast-track the adoption of methods that reduce GHG emissions while supporting the long-term resilience and profitability of the UK dairy industry.

The news comes United Kingdom’s dairy market is set for consistent growth over the next decade, driven by rising consumer demand for dairy products, according to a report by IndexBox. 

The market, valued at US$20.6 billion in 2024, is expected to expand to US$26.6 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4% in value and 0.3% in volume, reaching 22 million tons. 

This upward trend reflects the enduring popularity of dairy staples like milk and cheese, despite challenges such as fluctuating production costs and competition from plant-based alternatives.

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