Latest news with #dairy
National Post
10 hours ago
- Business
- National Post
FIRST READING: How Canada's dairy cartel keeps fumbling our foreign trade negotiations
First Reading is a Canadian politics newsletter curated by the National Post's own Tristin Hopper. To get an early version sent directly to your inbox, sign up here. Article content TOP STORY Article content Article content As Canada is actively trying to expand its trade with the non-U.S. world, Parliament has just entrenched the one thing that has scuppered more trade negotiations than anything else. Article content This week, the first bill passed by the 45th Parliament ended up being a Bloc Québécois-championed proposal to shield the Canadian supply management system from any foreign trade negotiations. Article content Article content Bill C-202, which passed the Senate on Wednesday, bars the Department of Foreign Affairs from negotiating any trade deal that liberalizes foreign access to Canada's heavily tariffed dairy and egg sector. Article content Article content Although the bill has been framed as a boon to the country's 9,000 dairy farms, everyone from trade analysts to other Canadian farmers have warned that it comes at the cost of kneecapping Canada's ability to grow its global trade links. Article content The Grain Growers of Canada trashed the bill, saying it scares away trade partners at the precise moment that Canada needs to find more of them. 'For grain farmers who rely on access to international markets, the result will be less ambitious trade agreements, fewer export opportunities, and slower economic growth at home,' said Kyle Larkin, the group's executive director, in a Wednesday statement. Article content The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) similarly framed C-202 as throwing a wrench into Canada's 'accelerated trade diversification agenda.' Article content 'At a time when Canada must be demonstrating leadership and consistency in defending predictable, rules-based trade, this bill sends the wrong message,' CAFTA said, in a press release. Article content Supply management has directly led to the collapse of at least one major Canadian trade deal, and has held up negotiations on several others. Article content In January 2024, the U.K. walked away from negotiations for a bilateral trade deal with Canada over Ottawa's refusal to compromise on supply management and accept increased imports of British cheese. Article content During 2015 negotiations for the since-cancelled Trans-Pacific Partnership, Canada's refusal to allow free trade access to its dairy sector wound up becoming one of the deal's most conspicuous snags. Article content As U.S. negotiator Darci Vetter said at the time, Canada was trying to close a 'market access' deal that 'doesn't include market access.' Article content A 2016 trade agreement struck with the European Union was secured only after Canada agreed to liberalized European access to the Canadian dairy market — but at the cost of billions in compensation paid to dairy farmers.
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Science
- Bloomberg
Scientists Stumble Upon Way to Reduce Cow Dung Methane Emissions
Twice a day at milking parlors all over New Zealand, the world's biggest dairy exporter, sheds are hosed down to wash away cow dung into large manmade ponds. In an attempt to recycle the water in the lagoons, two local scientists — Keith Cameron and Hong Di — began testing the addition of polyferric sulfate, a chemical that's been widely used in wastewater treatment to separate liquids from solids. The process worked, but that didn't prove to be their most interesting finding.
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Dairy Methane Miracle: These Digesters Deliver 80% Emissions Drop and Turn Manure Into Massive Renewable Energy Wins
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, discovered that dairy digesters can reduce methane emissions by 80%. can reduce methane emissions by 80%. 🚜 The study utilized advanced gas sensors to monitor emissions on a Tulare County dairy farm after implementing a digester . . 💡 Dairy digesters work by capturing methane from manure pits, converting it to renewable fuel . . 🔍 California is expanding its ability to detect emissions using satellite technology, complementing ground-based efforts. The fight against climate change requires innovative solutions, and California dairy farms are at the forefront of this battle with the implementation of dairy digesters. These advanced systems capture methane emissions from manure, significantly reducing greenhouse gases. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, accelerates global warming much faster than carbon dioxide. A recent study by the University of California, Riverside, highlights the impressive capabilities of digesters, showcasing an 80% reduction in methane emissions on a Tulare County dairy farm. This achievement underscores the importance of technological advancements in agriculture and sets a benchmark for other states and countries to follow. Real-world Test Confirms Promising Tech In Tulare County, known for its high milk production, researchers conducted a real-world test of dairy digesters. They equipped a van with sophisticated gas sensors to monitor methane levels before and after the installation of a digester in 2021. Over two years, hundreds of data points were collected, providing a comprehensive overview of the digester's effectiveness. Initially, the system faced some challenges, including leaks. However, through a collaborative effort between the research team, California Bioenergy, and the farm owner, these issues were addressed. This partnership exemplifies how adaptive management can lead to significant environmental benefits. The adjustments made led to a sharp decrease in emissions, proving the efficacy of this technology. Apple Origins Uncovered: Stunning New Study Maps 60-Million-Year Journey From Ancient Forests to Worldwide Domination How Digesters Work Dairy digesters operate by covering manure pits with gas-tight membranes, preventing methane release. The trapped methane is then purified and converted into fuel, often used to power vehicles that traditionally run on diesel. This dual-purpose approach not only curtails emissions but also provides a renewable energy source. Although the technology is highly effective, it is not without challenges. Digesters can occasionally leak, but with proper construction and management, emissions can be drastically reduced. This was evident in the Tulare County project, where careful oversight led to remarkable success. 'Japan Traps the Impossible': Scientists Develop Breakthrough Method to Extract Ammonia From Air and Water With Unmatched Precision Limitations Despite their benefits, digesters are not a comprehensive solution to agricultural emissions. They do not address other pollutants such as ammonia or fine particles that impact air quality. Moreover, the implementation of a digester requires significant investment, permits, and commitment. For smaller farms, the costs may outweigh the benefits, making it an impractical option. However, for larger dairies, digesters offer a cost-effective strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Francesca Hopkins, a climate change scientist, emphasizes that while digesters aren't suitable for every farm, they are a crucial tool for those that can afford the investment. 'We Built This for Pennies': Insanely Cheap Duct Tape Robot Gripper Shocks Scientists by Screwing In Lightbulbs with Ease Monitoring from the Sky California is enhancing its capabilities to monitor methane emissions using satellite technology. These satellites provide a comprehensive view of emissions across vast areas, enabling swift identification and response to methane leaks. This technological advancement complements ground-based efforts like those in Tulare County, providing a multi-faceted approach to emission control. Hopkins views the project as a testament to successful collaboration in the climate sector. The study, published in Global Change Biology Bioenergy, highlights the potential for cooperation and innovation to produce tangible environmental benefits. The use of dairy digesters in California represents a significant step forward in the reduction of methane emissions from agriculture. While challenges remain, the success in Tulare County demonstrates the potential for these technologies to make a substantial impact. As we look to the future, can other states and countries replicate this success, harnessing the power of innovation and collaboration to combat climate change? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (30)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Albert Heijn launches 'hybrid' milks in PlanetDairy tie-up
Albert Heijn, the largest grocer in the Netherlands, is launching a line of 'hybrid' milks containing dairy and plant-based ingredients. The retailer, part of the Ahold Delhaize group, has teamed up with Denmark-based PlanetDairy and Dutch business Farm Dairy Netherlands. PlanetDairy combines traditional dairy ingredients with plants through a precision fermentation process. The milks, sold under the retailer's AH private label, were made at Farm Dairy Netherlands' site in the Dutch town of Lelystad. 'At Albert Heijn, we pride ourselves on being pathbreakers in Dutch retail,' Jan de Graaf, the head of the dairy category at Albert Heijn, said. 'The Farm Dairy and PlanetDairy partnership has enabled us to be the first to launch dairy and plant milk blends in the Netherlands.' Set up by three dairy industry executives in 2022, PlanetDairy has combined dairy ingredients with plants to create its alternative to cheese sold under the Audu brand. The Audu range offers hybrid versions to mozzarella and cheddar, available in block, sliced and grated formats. Earlier this year, PlanetDairy CEO Jakob Skovgaard told Just Food the company was in talks with retailers to launch more products. 'We first met Albert Heijn in the spring of 2024," PlanetDairy CTO Dr Paul Cornillon said today (17 June). "We shared the success of our cheese launch in the Nordic markets and approached them with ideas on cheese, milk and yogurt.' PlanetDairy described the move as 'a major first for the European retail sector'. Skovgaard told Just Food today: "Typically, such a move is led by brands: Arla Milk & Oats, Paquette, Smug Dairy, etc. What makes it pathbreaking is it's priced at par with the animal equivalent. Usually plant alternatives are priced at a premium which is a major barrier for shoppers. It is also led by a retailer as part of a larger move across meat and dairy. Yesterday, Albert Heijn launched 15 new hybrid products including the two we developed." The milks are being sold 'nationwide' in the Netherlands at €1.39 ($1.61). Arend Bouwer, the MD of Farm Dairy Netherlands, said the company was working on more products with PlanetDairy. 'This is just the first step. We are already working on our next project together: yogurt blends,' Bouwer said. "Albert Heijn launches 'hybrid' milks in PlanetDairy tie-up" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Leading Kefir Brand Lifeway Foods' CEO Julie Smolyansky Launches Industry Conversation to Explore New Voluntary Dairy Certification Standard
Calls on Industry Partners to Join in Building a New Model for Public Health, Farmers,and Consumers MORTON GROVE, Ill., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, today announced that CEO Julie Smolyansky is launching an open industry-wide conversation to explore the creation of a new voluntary dairy certification standard. The proposal is designed to balance public health, consumer demand, and farmer viability — and to create a new model of trust and transparency in the dairy marketplace. The announcement is one of many initiatives coming from Lifeway Foods as part of their 40th anniversary plans and celebrations. Speaking at The Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum today on June 17th, Smolyansky emphasized her hope that Lifeway's early proposal can serve as a catalyst for broader industry dialogue. "We believe there is an opportunity — and an obligation — to create a flexible, science-informed standard that empowers farmers, delivers real benefits to public health, and meets growing consumer demand for responsibly produced dairy," said Smolyansky. "But this is not Lifeway's standard. This is a conversation. We are inviting our peers, producers, academics, nutritionists, environmental advocates, and public health leaders to join us in imagining a new voluntary certification that works for everyone." The proposed certification would aim to provide an alternative between conventional and organic dairy production, offering consumers an additional level of transparency on issues like animal welfare, responsible antibiotic use, sustainable farming practices, milk nutrition quality, and environmental stewardship. Smolyansky stressed that this initiative reflects Lifeway's ongoing commitment to the public good, not simply a corporate agenda. "Our hope is that others will take ownership of this idea — that leading producers, regulators, non-profits, and experts will come together to develop, refine, and govern any future certification framework," she said. "Lifeway can help initiate the conversation, but a durable solution must be built collaboratively for the benefit of the entire industry and, most importantly, the health of the public." To facilitate initial feedback and dialogue, Lifeway has launched a website — — outlining draft principles and inviting interested stakeholders to engage. Smolyansky added: "This is the first step. Our goal is to create a space for honest dialogue, scientific rigor, and mutual respect as we work to strengthen the dairy industry's long-term sustainability, integrity, and contribution to public health." About Lifeway Foods, Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the company also produces a variety of cheeses and a ProBugs line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at Perceptual AdvisorsDan TarmanEmail: dtarman@ Derek Miller Vice President of Communications, Lifeway FoodsEmail: derekm@ General inquiries:Lifeway Foods, 847-967-1010Email: info@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
