The Innovation Center for U.S Dairy has released a the 2014 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report, as well an an info graphic.  The report highlights the commitment of dairy farmers, importers and business to work in partnership to provide customers the nutritious diary products they want and in a socially, economically, and environmentally responsible way.

“Dairy’s commitment underscores the vital role of milk and dairy foods within a global food system that supports healthy people and healthy communities,” said Tom Gallagher, CEO of the Innovation Center and Dairy Management Inc. “Today the U.S. dairy industry is playing a leading role in building a sustainable food system, sharing our learning and experiences in a way that can be used by dairy farmers and others in agriculture around the world.”

In addition to reporting on Innovation Center-led research programs and activities, the 2014 Sustainability Report references specific actions being taken by more than 100 U.S. dairy farms, businesses and partnerships. Dairy farmers in all 50 states are continuously innovating to meet the unique environmental and social challenges in their region. Since 1944, milk production has quadrupled, but the industry uses 90 percent less cropland, consumes 65 percent less water and emits 63 percent fewer greenhouse gases.

Some of the highlights of the report are dairy’s improvement in climate adaption strategies and reduction in greenhouse gases, dairy’s contributions to the nutritional value of their products, and the continued advancement in the sustainability of the industry as a whole.