Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework
Our framework and promise
The Australian dairy industry is committed to providing nutritious food for a healthier world. Through the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework, the industry reports on progress and upholds commitments to our people, the community's wellbeing, animal care and the environment.
Our industry’s internationally recognised framework considers all issues along the value chain that may impact the sustainability of the dairy industry. It continues to be reviewed, revised and strengthened to respond to a changing world.
The Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework was launched in 2012 following extensive consultation with dairy farmers and manufacturers as well as stakeholders including government, retailers, customers, NGOs and interest groups.
There are four commitments in the framework that underpin Our Dairy Promise - to provide nutritious food for a healthier world. The framework enables us to measure and publicly report against them.
The purpose of the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework is to transparently address stakeholders' sustainability expectations while ensuring industry economic viability and building capacity to deliver positive change.
The ambition in our whole-of-industry Framework aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the global blueprint to achieve a better, more sustainable future for all. The goals and targets in the framework are set to 2030 – the same as the SDGs. Here we explain how UN SDG alignment.
The Framework is also informed by membership of the global Dairy Sustainability Framework and of Sustainability Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform's dairy working group.
Guided by the industry’s commitments and supported by tools, research and services from Dairy Australia, Australian dairy farmers and manufacturers will continue progressing toward a more sustainable future.
Our sustainability commitments
Tracking our commitments since 2012: to our people, the community, our animals and the environment.
Providing best care for animals
Striving for health, welfare and best care for our animals throughout their lives.
Improving wellbeing of people
Providing nutritious, safe, quality dairy food.
Enhancing economic viability and livelihoods
Creating a vibrant industry that rewards dairy workers and their families, communities, business and investors.
Reducing our environmental impact
Meeting the challenges of climate change and providing good stewardship of our natural resources.
Reports and scorecards
Goals set in 2013 are now tracked through to 2030 via our framework.
Collaborating on sustainability
- Sustainability Framework governance
- Dairy Manufacturers Sustainability Council
- Engaging stakeholders
- Material issues
The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) is the dairy industry's peak policy body. The ADIC has overall responsibility for the framework, setting and reporting progress against the framework targets and performance measures.
Dairy Australia, the industry-owned national service body, facilitates and supports the ADIC in developing and implementing the framework.
A steering committee was established in 2012 to drive the ongoing development and implementation of the framework.
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