Dairy producers from across the country are working with every segment of the value chain to find new ways to manage our businesses in the best way we can — efficiently, cost-effectively and responsibly.

• More than 700 industry professionals contribute their time and expertise to the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Commitment.
• In 2010, industry professionals invested nearly 35,000 hours, equal to approximately 4,400 working days, to the Sustainability Commitment.

As the dairy industry moves forward with this unprecedented, industrywide initiative, our goal is to continue to build and sustain a strong Sustainability Council with a diversity of perspectives from stakeholders across the dairy supply chain and beyond.

Sustainability Council guides industry vision

In June 2008, the Sustainability Council brought together more than 250 representatives from the entire value chain to participate in the Sustainability Summit — a three-day appreciative inquiry workshop. It was here that the industry developed a vision, goals and projects to guide the Sustainability Commitment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase business value across the dairy value chain.

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Comprised of a leadership team of producers, processors, manufacturers, retailers and dairy industry experts from nongovernmental organizations and academic institutions, the council shapes vision and goals, supports sustainability projects and anticipates next steps for the Sustainability Commitment.