With today’s publication of the latest EAT Lancet Commission Report, it’s important to remember dairy foods remain one of the most affordable, accessible and nutrient-rich sources of nourishment. Milk, cheese and yogurt provide essential nutrients which are critical for healthy growth and development, reducing malnutrition and have been shown to improve diet quality.
The overwhelming majority of national dietary guidelines worldwide recommend dairy as part of healthy eating patterns, and this is backed by extensive scientific evidence.
Many food sectors, including dairy, are part of the global conversation about how we create a sustainable food system that protects our planet and nourishes people. Dairy has been recognised by FAO and other organisations for their importance in achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ending hunger, improving nutrition, achieving food security, empowering women, reducing poverty, and supporting sustainable economic growth. True sustainability requires a balance between nutrition, environment, economy, and culture.
In the UK, The Dairy Roadmap, which sets environmental targets for the industry, is being developed further, marking the next phase in our sector’s journey towards greater sustainability. Work is already underway to create the Sustainable Pathways Report – a bold new vision that will define how the sector delivers environmental progress. This builds on the progress we have already made in significantly cutting emissions, improving resource efficiency and supporting biodiversity, while setting out an ambitious direction for the future. Dairy foods are nutrient dense foods which provide high quality nutrition and are important in terms of food security.
