Coalition seeks farmer input on sustainability data demands from milk buyers
U.S. dairy farmers are increasingly raising concerns about requests for detailed farm-level data tied to sustainability and environmental reporting programs. These requests are often presented as voluntary but may be required to maintain access to milk markets.
Recently, a dairy farmer from Wisconsin shared her experience online, explaining that she was asked to provide extensive operational information as part of an updated sustainability policy from her milk processor. The request reportedly included details such as herd size, milk production levels, feed rations, and on-farm energy use, including fuel and electricity consumption.
While the program was described as industry-led and voluntary, the farmer stated that refusing to participate could result in her milk no longer being accepted. According to the post, large food buyers higher in the supply chain require this data to meet sustainability, net-zero, and Environmental, Social, and Governance goals.
“Some milk buyers seem to be pressuring farmers to hand over detailed operational data — from cropping maps to utility bills — under the guise of sustainability. ADC believes farm-level data should be treated with the same legal protections as medical or financial records," said ADC CEO Laurie Fischer.
Some farmers reported being asked to submit cropping maps, utility bills, and detailed records of purchased inputs. These data points are commonly used to calculate carbon footprints and Scope 3 emissions.
The coalition noted that farmers providing this proprietary information often receive no direct financial benefit. Instead, they risk losing a market for their milk if they decline to comply. Many producers also question how their data will be stored, who will access it, and whether it could be used for purposes beyond its original intent.
The organization emphasized that farm-level data should be protected with safeguards similar to medical or financial records. It also highlighted concerns about farmer data ownership, national food security, and long-term market fairness.
To better understand the scope of the issue, the coalition has launched an anonymous survey and a confidential intake line, click on the link to take the survey. These efforts aim to document how widespread the data requests are and what they cost farmers.
The coalition encouraged dairy farmers to share their experiences, stating that transparency is essential to ensuring farmer voices are heard and respected.
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