A new environmental agreement will see Lakeland Dairies work with its farmers to identify ways to reduce ammonia emissions arising from dairy farms.

Lakeland signed the new agreement with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

Under the agreement, Lakeland Dairies has committed to working with NIEA to ensure significant improvements in resource and energy efficiency and in reducing carbon emissions from their factory operations.

One of the most important aspects of the agreement is its commitment to work with NIEA and the wider Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), as well as with farmers to identify ways to reduce ammonia emissions arising from dairy farms.

Lakeland Dairies will also work to help farmers better understand land quality and nutrient requirements and to continue their support for biodiversity and habitat protection.

Positive

Alo Duffy, chair of Lakeland Dairies, said: “This agreement will help us as a business and across our sphere of influence to respond positively to key environmental challenges such as ammonia emissions and resource efficiency.

“For instance, we have committed to reducing the CO2 generated per litre of product by 50% by 2021. We look forward to delivering against our outcomes in partnership with NIEA.”

Speaking about the agreement, David Small, chief executive of NIEA said: “The prosperity agreement programme is a great example of how government and progressive organisations can work together for positive outcomes and to address key issues, delivering prosperity and well-being."

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