The high quality of local milk has long been undisputed. Calculations of the CO2 footprint now also give the white gold from Austria an excellent certificate.
The cow as a climate killer is a myth that unfortunately persists. The research result confirms for us once again that this is not the case and that the cow, when fed and kept appropriately, is part of the solution and that dairy farming is a basic component of sustainable food production
Managing Director Josef Braunshofer
Wels (OTS) – In addition to being healthy and high quality, our food should above all be sustainable. Schärdinger evaluated what this quality criterion actually means for milk and milk products together with the Austrian Research Center for Grassland Management Raumberg-Gumpenstein. A representative sample consisting of hundreds of dairy farms was examined for environmentally relevant aspects and data on emissions was collected and compared. In addition to the CO2 footprint per kg of milk and per hectare of usable area, a total of 14 environmental impacts were collected, evaluated and classified in an international context.
The CO2 footprint (also called “Global Warming Potential – GWP”) is one of the most important parameters for assessing the climate balance and normalizes the effect of all greenhouse gases. Although the concept of Global Warming Potential represents a central element within the greenhouse problem, it also requires other parameters in order to be able to holistically assess the environmental impact and environmental compatibility. These include resource-related environmental impacts (e.g. phosphorus consumption, deforestation, use of fossil energy), nutrient-related impacts (e.g. nitrogen and phosphorus input into water), but also pollutant-related factors (e.g. ecotoxicity in soil and water).
The results of these extensive studies confirm that milk from Berglandmilch farms is the European champion in terms of environmental compatibility.
The results are particularly impressive when looking at international comparison and average values. While the average emission factor for European milk is around 1.20 kg CO2e per kg of milk, the mountain milk-specific value is significantly lower. The average value across all domestic farms is only 0.96 kg CO2e per kg of milk. And therefore 25% below the European value.
The reasons for this top result are varied. For topographical reasons, Austria is an extremely advantageous location for grassland areas. Mountain milk cows mainly eat grass that is harvested in the vicinity of the farms. Grass is a reliable, regional source of feed that can only be converted into nutrients available to humans via cows or other ruminants. Purchasing basic feed and concentrated feed is usually not necessary or only necessary in small quantities. Particularly in mountainous and grassland areas, ruminants and local dairy farming ensure efficient and environmentally friendly food production. Appropriate management of grassland areas also provides important ecosystem services – such as water regulation or carbon sequestration.
In addition, the strict Berglandmilch standards also contribute to the very good result. This includes European feed and small purchases of concentrated feed as well as the various measures in the area of animal welfare. After all, healthy cows that live in the herd for a long time help to improve the climate balance. Mountain dairy farms also perform above average when it comes to environmental impacts. Avoiding glyphosate and genetically modified feed has a positive effect on biodiversity and maintains healthy soils. Particularly sustainable production through PV systems and the use of biomass on farms further reduces harmful environmental impacts.
„The cow as a climate killer is a myth that unfortunately persists. The research result confirms for us once again that this is not the case and that the cow, when fed and kept appropriately, is part of the solution and that dairy farming is a basic component of sustainable food production
,“ summarizes managing director Josef Braunshofer.
In the future, the research project will not only allow the company’s CO2 footprint to be calculated more precisely – the farms will also gain important insights for the further development of their farms.
Berglandmilch eGen:
Berglandmilch is the largest Austrian milk processing and distribution company. Berglandmilch eGen operates eight locations in 5 federal states and is solely owned by more than 8,500 dairy farmers. Berglandmilch appears on the market with well-known brands such as Schärdinger, Tirol Milch, Lattella and Stainzer. Farming tradition combined with holistic quality thinking and the courage to take new and future-oriented paths are reflected in diverse and innovative products. www.berglandmilch.at
Questions & Contact:
Inquiry note:
Anna Brandstetter, MA
presse@berglandmilch.at
+43 7476 77311 5628