Ben & Jerry’s Low Carbon Dairy project is driving significant change in the dairy industry by partnering with farmers, scientists, and experts to reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming. The initiative focuses on improving soil health, animal welfare, and climate resilience, aiming to reduce farm emissions by 50% by 2025. So far, seven U.S. and more than ten Dutch farms participating in the project have reported notable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with U.S. farms showing a 16% drop. These farms employ practices like regenerative agriculture, homegrown feed, and renewable energy to achieve these goals.
The project is part of the broader Caring Dairy program, established in Europe in 2006 and the U.S. in 2011, which partners with farms to improve their sustainability and operational standards. Selected farms, like Vermont’s Four Girls Dairy, have embraced innovative methods, including solar installations and robotic feed pushers, to improve both efficiency and environmental outcomes. With 13% of U.S. Caring Dairy farms now part of the Low Carbon initiative, the program is expected to expand further, enhancing sustainability in dairy farming and contributing to global climate efforts.
