Idaho Milk Products Joins Global Alliance to Cut Methane Emissions

JEROME, ID – January 16, 2026 – In a significant move toward environmental stewardship, Idaho Milk Products announced today it has joined the Dairy Methane Action Alliance (DMAA), a global coalition of major food and dairy companies committed to reducing methane emissions within their supply chains. The decision positions the Idaho-based processor alongside industry giants in a collective push for greater climate transparency and accountability.

The commitment requires member companies to annually account for and publicly disclose their methane emissions and to develop a comprehensive action plan to mitigate their impact. By joining the initiative, Idaho Milk Products is embracing a pivotal role in addressing one of the most urgent challenges facing the agricultural sector.

“By joining this pioneering effort, we are taking bold action to advance transparency and drive meaningful change across the dairy industry,” said Jeremy Pike, Director of Sustainability at Idaho Milk Products, in the company’s announcement. The company stated that a full breakdown of its current emissions profile and reduction strategies will be detailed in its latest Sustainability Report.

A Coalition for Climate Action

The Dairy Methane Action Alliance, launched by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) at the COP28 climate summit in December 2023, was created to accelerate climate action within the food industry. Its founding members include some of the world's most recognizable brands, such as Danone, Nestlé, General Mills, and Kraft Heinz, who have collectively pledged to tackle the potent greenhouse gas.

The Alliance's core mission is not just about making pledges but about creating a framework for tangible progress. It focuses on two key pillars: transparency through rigorous measurement and reporting, and the implementation of credible, science-based action plans. This approach is designed to build accountability and send a powerful demand signal to researchers and technology developers to innovate new solutions for methane reduction.

Membership in the DMAA signifies a company's public commitment to confronting its methane footprint head-on. While specific reduction targets are not mandated upon joining, the emphasis on transparent reporting is seen as a critical first step toward establishing baselines and driving down emissions over time.

The Dairy Industry's Methane Challenge

The focus on methane is driven by its significant impact on global warming. Methane (CH₄) is a greenhouse gas over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making its reduction a high-impact strategy for slowing near-term climate change. The global agricultural sector is a primary source of anthropogenic methane, responsible for nearly half of all emissions, with livestock contributing about 30% of that total.

Within agriculture, the dairy industry plays a substantial role, accounting for an estimated 10% of the world's methane output. These emissions originate primarily from two biological processes inherent to dairy farming:

• Enteric Fermentation: This natural digestive process in cows and other ruminants is the largest source, contributing 60-65% of a dairy farm's methane emissions. Microbes in a cow's stomach produce methane as a byproduct of breaking down fibrous feed, which is then released primarily through belching.
• Manure Management: The decomposition of animal waste, especially when stored in liquid form in lagoons or pits, produces significant methane emissions, accounting for 30-35% of the total. Anaerobic conditions in these storage systems are ideal for methane-producing microbes.

Addressing these sources is central to the mission of the DMAA and the broader goal of aligning the dairy sector with global climate targets, such as the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut worldwide methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

Pathways to Greener Pastures

While the challenge is significant, a growing portfolio of scientific and technological solutions offers viable pathways to reduce dairy's methane footprint. Experts believe that a combination of strategies could cut emissions by 50% or more. These innovations are at the heart of the action plans being developed by DMAA members.

Among the most promising solutions are advanced feed additives. Products like 3-nitrooxypropanol (commercially known as Bovaer) have been shown to inhibit the enzyme that produces methane in a cow's gut, reducing enteric emissions by up to 30%. Other research into supplements like red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) has shown even higher reduction potential in early trials, though questions of scalability and long-term effects remain.

Manure management is another critical area for innovation. Anaerobic digesters are systems that capture biogas, which is rich in methane, from manure and convert it into renewable energy. This technology not only prevents methane from escaping into the atmosphere but also creates a valuable energy source for the farm or local grid. Other practices, such as separating solids from liquid manure and covering storage lagoons, also significantly reduce emissions.

Beyond technology, advancements in herd management, including genetic selection for lower-emitting cows and optimizing animal health and diet, are also key components of a comprehensive methane reduction strategy.

The Growing Business Case for Sustainability

Idaho Milk Products' decision reflects a broader industry shift driven by a convergence of regulatory, consumer, and market pressures. Proactive engagement with climate issues is increasingly seen not just as an ethical responsibility but as a strategic business imperative.

Governments worldwide are beginning to scrutinize agricultural emissions more closely. The Global Methane Pledge, signed by over 100 countries, has created international momentum, and regions like the European Union and New Zealand are exploring policies that could financially penalize or reward farmers based on their emissions profiles. By acting now, companies can stay ahead of potential regulations and mitigate future risks.

Simultaneously, consumer preferences are evolving. A growing number of shoppers are factoring sustainability into their purchasing decisions, with market research showing a clear preference for products from companies demonstrating environmental responsibility. A 2024 study indicated that over 60% of consumers are more interested in dairy products made with ecologically friendly practices. Transparency, backed by credible data, is key to winning their trust and loyalty.

By joining the Dairy Methane Action Alliance, Idaho Milk Products is not only contributing to a critical global climate solution but also strengthening its brand reputation, aligning with customer values, and positioning itself for long-term success in an increasingly climate-conscious economy.