New indicators launched – plans from here…

The DSF members meeting on October 29, saw the launch of five new indicator metrics, building on the two launched in 2016.  With these seven completed, the sector is now able to move from a basis of talking about what they are going to do, to a clear demonstration of the sustainability progress we are making at an aggregate level. This is a substantial step forward!

Many thanks to Dr Marty Matlock and his team at the University of Arkansas for guiding us through this process. You can read more here.

To learn more about how these global indicator metrics work, you may wish to watch the video clip here.

Although launched we still have some work to do on these five indicators.  We are currently developing two further items to support the implementation of these indicator metrics.

• Reporting guidelines – We need to be consistent in what is being reported.  These guidelines will define what the DSF is looking for. For example, what should a soil health plan include? Or a biodiversity plan must cover at least a certain number of criteria. If you already have these plans in place for your own regional work, please send a copy to Dr. Marty Matlock so that he can review and use what is already being applied in the formation of the reporting guidelines.  We prefer to capitalise on what is already being utilised as opposed to asking for new ‘items’. Integral to the development will be to establish how often the reporting will be required i.e.  Annually, every second year.
• Once the reporting guidelines have been agreed, the sector’s baseline against which we will report our aggregate progress needs to be developed.  So, members, be prepared to answer a further question from us in terms of numbers of plans already in place.  The baseline  establishment is a fundamental step in this positive process.

It is planned to circulate the suggested ‘reporting guidelines’ to a wide range of stakeholders in the first week of December for review and comment, so be ready to engage!  We need your guidance and input to make this process result in a suitable outcome.

Development of four over the 2018 period

With seven global indicator metrics now developed, that leaves four to be completed over the course of 2018.  We plan to start this work in January 2018 so make sure that you engage in this transparent and widely engaging process.  The four to be developed are for the Criteria:

Product Safety and Quality: The integrity and transparency of the dairy supply chain is safeguarded, so as to ensure the optimal nutrition, quality, and safety of products

Market Development: Participants along the dairy value chain are able to build economically viable businesses through the development of transparent and effective markets

Rural Economies: The dairy sector contributes to the resilience and economic viability of farmers and rural communities

Waste: Waste generation is minimized and, where unavoidable, waste is reused and recycled