Expodireto: Forum discusses efficient milk production with a lower carbon footprint and analyzes data from Cotrijal, based on the PEC Calc

Não-Me-Toque, March 12, 2025 – Efficient production with a smaller carbon footprint was a central theme at the 20th State Milk Forum, held at the 25th Expodireto Cotrijal , bringing together experts, producers, and industry representatives to discuss the efficiency and sustainability of dairy production in southern Brazil. During the event, researcher Luiz Gustavo Pereira, in collaboration with Cotrijal's technical team, presented a unique study conducted by the Cotrijal team using ESGpec's PEC Calc tool, which calculated the carbon footprint of seven of the cooperative's dairy farms, using different production systems.

Carbon footprint of milk

The results indicated that the average carbon footprint of the farms analyzed was 0.84 kg CO2e/kg of milk corrected for fat and protein, a value considered very good within national and international parameters. The calculation was performed by PEC Calc, based on the direct and indirect emissions of the production system. Factors such as enteric emissions, manure management, use of agricultural inputs, and herd feed efficiency are considered to calculate the footprint.

"By knowing the farm's carbon footprint, we can have a basis for choosing the best strategies." — Luiz Gustavo Pereira, adjunct professor at the University of Copenhagen.

PEC Calc was used to perform a detailed emissions estimate and identify mitigation opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of milk production. This initiative reinforces Cotrijal's position as a leader in the use of technology to increase production efficiency and prepare its producers to meet new market demands.

Milk Production in Southern Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities

Rio Grande do Sul has a tradition of dairy farming, but it faces a changing landscape, with fewer producers but an increase in the volume produced per farm. The state, once among the largest producers in the country, currently ranks fourth nationally.

"We certainly have the potential to restore the importance of milk to the state, and we are aware that the industry depends on the profitability of the producer. If the producer doesn't have the opportunity to receive fair and correct compensation, the industry will struggle to evolve." — Caio Vianna, president of CCGL.

The sector is undergoing a consolidation process, in which producers need to adopt strategies to increase competitiveness and reduce costs.

"We're experiencing a consolidation process in the field, a reduction in the number of producers, and a higher volume of milk per producer. This is a process we need to learn to manage, because we'll have fewer producers in the future." — Valter Galan, Technical and New Business Director at MilkPoint Ventures.

To increase competitiveness in milk production, Galan highlighted the importance of paying better for milk solids, reducing production costs, and improving farm management.

Sustainability and Market Demands

The growing demand for sustainable and traceable products has pressured the sector to adopt practices that reduce the environmental footprint of milk production.

"We who sell food to the end consumer must meet their needs. The challenge is how to do this in an economically viable way for everyone involved. This change is here to stay." — Maria Reis, Marketing Manager at Cargill Europe.

The difference between the European and Brazilian markets was also discussed, highlighting that, while in Europe there is strong government regulation and consumer pressure, in Brazil changes are happening gradually, but are inevitable.

"The Brazilian market is at a different stage than the European one in terms of sustainability because there is a lot of pressure from the government, consumers, and everyone. But understanding what's happening there helps us become more aware and see how we can adapt it to our reality." — Maria Reis, Cargill Europe.

The event reinforced the need to align dairy chain practices with new global demands, ensuring that Brazilian dairy production remains competitive in domestic and international markets.

About Cotrijal

Cotrijal is a leading agricultural cooperative in southern Brazil, committed to innovation, sustainability, and the development of its members. With initiatives focused on modernizing dairy farming, it seeks to offer tools and knowledge that ensure greater efficiency and resilience for rural producers.

About ESGpec

ESGpec is a startup focused on technological solutions for agribusiness, promoting sustainability and production efficiency. PEC Calc, PEC Scores, and PEC Map are some of its tools for diagnosing, measuring, and managing sustainability in livestock farming, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the chain.

The text was adapted from Bruna Scheifler's release, made available by the Expodireto Cotrijal Press Office - Access the full release on the official Expodireto Cotrijal website: https://www.expodireto.cotrijal.com.br/imprensa/noticia/4801/20-forum-estadual-do-leite-destaca-producao-eficiente-com-menor-pegada-de-carbono