December 16, 2009

US dairy sector commits to environmental cause

Through the expanded use of technology that converts manure into energy, the US dairy industry will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% before 2020.

The agreement between the USDA and Dairy Management Inc (DMI), a nonprofit group that promotes sales and demand for US dairy products, would quicken the roll-out of anaerobic digesters that convert animal manure into electricity.

The agreement also envisions a more efficient transportation and refrigeration systems, and will research on feed rations to reduce methane emissions.

This is a win-win situation because it provides an untapped source of income for farmers, provides a source of renewable energy, reduces dependency on foreign fossil fuels, and provides various environmental benefits, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Currently, only about 2% of US dairies that would profit from a digester are using one, according to USDA.

The government has funded fewer than 150 anaerobic digesters so far. USDA estimated methane from a 700-head dairy herd can power 200 homes with electricity.

Vilsack said the USDA would assist the dairy industry by conducting research projects, simplifying the application process for anaerobic digesters and increasing the marketing of the technology.

Ongoing research will soon provide a starting figure for greenhouse gas emissions from the dairy sector, which has embarked on 12 projects to reduce gases including one that would foster US$250 million in digesters, said a DMI spokeswoman.

DMI estimates there are 56,000 dairy producers in the US.