Environmental group Greenpeace Aotearoa has questioned the long-standing claim that New Zealand dairy farming is the “most efficient in the world,” arguing that the assertion is not fully supported by available scientific evidence. In a recent commentary published during New Zealand’s annual agricultural event, Fieldays, Greenpeace campaigner Amanda Larsson said policymakers and industry representatives continue to rely on a narrative that deserves closer scrutiny amid growing climate and sustainability concerns.
According to Greenpeace, data released by Fonterra in 2024 showed that emissions from its New Zealand dairy farms were approximately 20% higher per kilogram of milk than those from comparable Australian operations. The organization also noted that Nestlé, one of Fonterra’s largest customers, has publicly challenged claims that New Zealand dairy has the world’s lowest carbon footprint and has urged the sector to accelerate emissions reductions.
Greenpeace further argued that many efficiency claims trace back to a single study funded by DairyNZ. According to the article, the study’s authors acknowledged that a more detailed, like-for-like international comparison would be needed before definitively ranking New Zealand as the world’s most efficient dairy producer. Greenpeace contends that differences in methodologies used across countries make direct comparisons difficult.
The organization also highlighted data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, claiming New Zealand ranks as the sixth worst OECD country in terms of economic value generated per unit of CO₂ emissions. Greenpeace attributes this to the country’s heavy reliance on dairy exports, noting that approximately 95% of New Zealand’s dairy production is exported, largely in the form of milk powder and dairy ingredients used in global food manufacturing.
The debate comes as New Zealand continues discussions on agricultural methane targets, climate commitments and the future direction of its dairy sector. Greenpeace argues that greater emphasis should be placed on ecological farming systems and emissions reductions, while industry groups maintain that New Zealand remains among the world’s most emissions-efficient dairy producers. The discussion highlights the growing global focus on measuring dairy sustainability through broader environmental, economic and climate-performance metrics. (Greenpeace)
Source: Dairynews7x7 13 June, 2026 Read full story here
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