Dairy UK Sets Expectation for Deforestation-Free Feed Sourcing
Dairy UK has announced a new expectation that, from 30 December 2026, all feed supplied into the UK dairy supply chain should meet recognised deforestation-free requirements for key forest-risk commodities.
The position applies to soy products, including soybean, soymeal and soya hulls, as well as palm oil and palm kernel expeller (PKE), whether supplied as straights, compound feed or other blended feed products. Under the approach set out by Dairy UK, feed is expected to comply with Modules 1 and 2 of the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) Sustainable Commodities Scheme (ASCS), or an equivalent standard.
Welcoming the announcement, James McCulloch, Head of Policy at AIC, said:
"AIC welcome the Dairy UK announcement and their reference to the AIC Sustainable Commodities Scheme. This gives a clear signal from the dairy sector for their producers and feed suppliers to source deforestation-free feed and feed materials.
AIC and Dairy UK have engaged in regular dialogue and consultation over the past two years on both Dairy UK requirements and on the AIC standards.
AIC confirm that their Sustainable Commodities Scheme Working Group have commenced work on developing a third module based on deforestation- and conversion-free commodity sourcing, matching the ambitions of Dairy UK."
Dairy UK said the announcement is intended to provide clarity for producers, feed suppliers and customers on expectations around the sourcing of forest-risk commodities.
The organisation also confirmed its support for the continued development of the AIC Sustainable Commodities Scheme and its commitment to progressing towards fully deforestation- and conversion-free feed once ASCS Module 3 becomes available, or through equivalent schemes.
Commenting on the announcement, Dairy UK's Chief Executive, Dr Judith Bryans, said dairy processors are moving ahead of regulation by committing to recognised standards for forest-risk commodity sourcing and will continue working with suppliers to support the transition to traceable deforestation-free supply chains.
Author
Wendy Ford
Wendy Ford is Communications Manager at AIC, creating and overseeing the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.
