For us Arla farmers in Sörmland, the cow release is so much more than intense days and a hopeful sign of spring. In addition to the joy of watching the cows jump out on this year’s green pasture, it is important for children and adults to get to the farms and learn more about animals, nature and where the food comes from.
When, after two years of pandemics, we can finally invite visitors to the farms again, it feels more important than ever. Russia’s war against Ukraine has made it even clearer that we must invest in Swedish food and Swedish agriculture, so that we can become more self-sufficient and less vulnerable. Milk and dairy products are the backbone of Swedish agriculture and Swedish food production. Milk is one of the few foods that can be produced locally all over our country. It is also an affordable food that gives us several of the nutrients we need every day, which is especially important now that food prices are rising and many need to prioritize.
But it is not just for our population security that we need to have our own strong local food production. It is also the best for our environment and for meeting the Swedish climate goals.
When animals go out to eat grass, they contribute to an important function in a sustainable food system. Pastures bind water and stabilize the soil and reduce the risk of floods. The soil is also important for endangered species, beneficial insects and the pollinators that are absolutely crucial for our food production.
Natural pastures are those pastures that are neither fertilized nor cultivated. These are chips that cannot be used for any other type of food production. These lands can be compared to the rainforest in species richness. But to maintain its diversity of plants and animals, grazing animals are required. They transform the grass from land that is unusable to nutrient-dense foods that you and I can eat.
In recent years, there has been too little focus on all the benefits cows do for our landscape, for biodiversity and our food production. We Arla farmers take climate work very seriously. We measure our climate impact on the farms and thereby know both that we produce milk for one of the world’s lowest climate footprints and how we will continue to reduce our climate impact.
Recently, the Environmental Objectives Committee presented a review of what Swedish consumers’ imprint looks like. They are clear that by increasing our Swedish food consumption and production we can actually reduce our climate impact.
So at this year’s cow release, it’s time to pay tribute to the role of cows for sustainable and safe Swedish food production. This is something that we Arla farmers are proud to contribute.
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