Across the economy as a whole the main source of GHG emissions is the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity, heat buildings and provide transport. Other significant sources of emissions are the result of chemical or biological processes, for example in the production of cement; emissions associated with the growing of crops and the rearing of livestock; decomposition of waste; and from soil processes.

The policy of the Scottish Government is to seek to achieve major reductions in GHG emissions in Scotland and targets requiring an 80% reduction by 2050 and a 42% reduction by 2020 have been agreed by the Scottish Parliament. The Climate Change Delivery Plan for Scotland has identified research on the carbon footprint of Scottish livestock products as a gap to be filled. It is envisaged that this project will serve as an exemplar for future work on other supply chains in Scotland. The research project will contribute to meeting a key challenge for rural land use identified in the Delivery Plan: achieving our GHG emissions reduction targets while working within the global context of increasing demand for food.

The research project fits within the wider context of the Scottish Government’s Food and Drink policy which recognises the role all parts of the food and drink supply chain (from primary producers, processors, retailers to consumers) can play and identifies the need to exploit potential opportunities related to mitigating and adapting to climate change.

The aim of this research project is distinctive from previous research because it will adopt a consumption based approach, measure milk and milk products, focus on conducting detailed analysis of GHG emissions rather than wider environmental impacts whilst at the same time building on international best practice and adapting these findings specifically to the Scottish context.

The aim of this research project is to assess global GHG emissions associated with Scottish dairy supply chains, in order to identify the main opportunities for the supply chain to reduce GHG emissions while maintaining or improving economic productivity. The specific objectives are to 

Describe key inputs to and outputs from Scottish Dairy Supply Chains 

For more details of project brief read the original Invitation to Tender (attached below).

Established in 1997, Best Foot Forward (BFF) specialises in developing and delivering footprinting analyses and insight to public and private sector organisations. Because of the company’s proven track record, BFF also advises numerous governmental and non-governmental organisations on footprint standards and methodology development. 

BFF is a Carbon Trust-approved footprint supplier, an invited consultee for the PAS2050 carbon footprint specification, and sits on the methodology working group for the emerging international Greenhouse Gas Protocol for Products and Services (led by the World Resources Institute). BFF is also an advisor on Defra’s Sustainable Products and Materials Programme, a member of the Aldersgate think-tank and a founding member of the Global Footprint Network. 

 

BFF have responsibility for project management, data collection, footprint analysis and report wiriting.

Laurence Gould Partnership (LGP) is one of the most respected firms in Scottish agricultural consultancy, providing strategic, financial, and technical advice to farmers and landowners for the last 45 years. During this time, they have continued to provide an effective and independent source of advice to farmers & landowners and have developed a reputation for excellence, which is second to none within the industry. LGP have a team of experienced agricultural and rural business consultants based in Scotland who have more than 40 years experience of Scottish Agriculture.

LGP’s core business is providing farm business management advice to farmers and growers on an ongoing basis. All senior consultancy staff have significant experience working with dairy farmers. LGP are currently involved and providing advice to dairy farming clients in all the main dairying areas of Scotland. Clients range from 1 man 90 cow units to herds of 1,000 cows plus. 

 

As part of this project LGP will be providng expert advice on dairy farming, organising stakeholder workshops and overseeing the assessment of emissions mitigation feasibility. 

Donald Webb, lead of the DTZ Agri-food Team, has covered completed work in the primary agriculture sector, the dairy industry, red meat, cereals, organic production and novel products. He has been involved in over 50 assignments for public sector clients, industry bodies and the private sector.  Donald has more than 15 years of consultancy experience with a range of public and private organisations. He is an expert on the agri-food, and rural sectors, managing a large number of complex consultancy assignments. As part of this project Donald will be providing expert advice on dairy processing.

The Carbon Trust is a publicly funded independent company set up by the UK Government in 2001 to help businesses transition to the low-carbon economy. In partnership with Dairy UK, The Carbon Trust is about to publish a detailed footprinting guide for the dairy sector. As part of this project they will be acting as expert reviewers of our footprinting methods to ensure they meet international best practice.