About Washington dairy products commission
The Washington Dairy Products Commission: Leading the Way in Sustainable Dairy Farming
The Washington dairy community is committed to finding innovative ways to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, recycle water, cut food waste, and minimize packaging. At the forefront of this movement is the Washington Dairy Products Commission (WDPC), a non-profit organization that represents over 400 dairy farmers and processors in the state.
Founded in 1944, WDPC's mission is to promote and support the dairy industry in Washington State through education, research, and marketing. Over the years, WDPC has played a vital role in advancing sustainable farming practices that benefit both farmers and consumers.
One of WDPC's primary goals is to reduce GHG emissions from dairy farms. According to a study by the University of California-Davis, dairy cows are responsible for about 2% of total U.S. GHG emissions. To address this issue, WDPC has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints on farms.
For example, many farms have installed methane digesters that capture biogas from cow manure and convert it into renewable energy. This not only reduces GHG emissions but also provides an additional source of income for farmers through selling excess energy back to local utilities.
In addition to reducing GHG emissions on farms, WDPC is also focused on conserving water resources. The state of Washington faces significant challenges when it comes to water availability due to its arid climate and growing population.
To address this issue, many dairy farms have implemented advanced irrigation systems that use less water while still maintaining crop yields. Additionally, some farms have invested in technology that recycles wastewater from milking parlors for use as irrigation or fertilizer.
Another area where WDPC has made significant strides is reducing food waste throughout the supply chain. According to estimates by ReFED (a non-profit dedicated to reducing food waste), up to 40% of all food produced in America goes uneaten each year.
To combat this problem within their industry specifically - which includes milk production - WDPC works with processors and retailers across the state on initiatives such as product labeling improvements or donation programs for surplus products so they don't go wasted but instead can be used by those who need them most like local charities or schools feeding children who may not otherwise get enough nutrition at home due financial constraints etcetera
Finally yet importantly minimizing packaging waste remains another key focus area for WDPC as well as its members across all stages including production processing distribution retail consumption etcetera
Overall there are many reasons why consumers should choose products from companies associated with organizations like The Washington Dairy Products Commission: they're supporting sustainable farming practices; helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions; conserving precious natural resources like water; fighting against food waste; promoting healthy eating habits among children through school programs supported by donations made possible thanks largely due efforts put forth towards these causes by organizations such as The Washington Dairy Products Commission