Dairy giant Fonterra has been recognised for its ‘Doing More with Dairy’ program by being named one of McDonald’s “2014 Best of Sustainable Supply” award winners.
The Doing More with Dairy program helps farmer suppliers in Australia become more profitable through more efficient use of high impact inputs such as water, energy and fertilisers.
Fonterra Australia’s managing director, Judith Sales said that she was proud that Fonterra’s Australian division has been recognised by the global award.
“Fonterra Australia is firmly focused on helping our suppliers be the most profitable dairy farmers in Australia and grow their farm businesses into assets for the future. The ‘Doing More With Less in Dairy’ program helps farmers improve their bottom-line and improve their environmental performance. This is a win-win-win for the environment, farmers and Fonterra Australia and is another step toward achieving a more sustainability business,” she said.
“Nearly 25 per cent of our suppliers have participated and benefited in this program so far and they deserve recognition for their initiative and commitment to sustainability.”
“The project identified average reductions in each farm’s fertiliser-related emissions of 15 per cent and 10 per cent savings for electricity-related emissions, generating an annual financial gain of A$10,000 in input costs.”
The McDonald’s Best of Sustainable Supply awards aim to recognise how its suppliers achieved positive results by identifying opportunities and applying sustainable solutions in diverse places across the world. More than 600 entries were submitted, with Fonterra Australia earning a prestigious place alongside 50 other top projects.
Jose Armario, executive vice president, McDonald’s global supply chain, development & franchising said; “The submissions in the Best of Sustainable Supply report demonstrate that our suppliers go above and beyond to provide sustainable leadership, and that they take their commitment to preserving resources seriously,” he said.
“We are fortunate to work with such a diverse and dedicated group of suppliers to service our 35,000 global restaurants each day.”