Before the introduction of the MiLCA protocol, many dairy companies were hesitant to publicize their emissions reduction efforts due to the risk of being accused of “greenwashing.” The lack of a consistent, industry-wide approach made it difficult to make verifiable claims. This new protocol addresses that problem directly by setting a clear standard for the scientific evidence required to validate the impact of carbon-reducing innovations, such as methane-inhibiting feed additives.

The protocol serves as a guide for companies to confidently include emissions reductions in their greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting. By providing this validated methodology, MiLCA aims to incentivize the collection of high-quality data on the effectiveness of new technologies. This not only benefits the companies but also contributes to the overall scientific understanding of how to reduce the environmental footprint of the agribusiness sector.

In addition to ensuring accurate emissions reporting, the protocol also includes checks to confirm that new technologies do not create risks to other parts of the environment. This holistic approach ensures that progress toward sustainability is not achieved at the expense of other important environmental factors. It is a critical step for an industry under increasing pressure from consumers and regulators to reduce its environmental impact.