Topic:

Energising the dairy industry

Abstract:

 Spray drying of milk is energy intensive for thermal and electrical energy. In 2013 Aurivo Dairy Ingredients started to consider the installation of a biomass boiler. Largely due to increasing HFO costs, EU Carbon Allowance changes and associated costs and careful consideration of our role in the sustainability of our business and supply chain. Costs of processing are critical in competitiveness of the dairy industry, and energy plays a large part in that. In 2014 the Biomass plant was built on site in conjunction with HDS energy in Ballaghdereen, Co. Roscommon. Construction of the Biomass plant has led to energy savings and a considerable reduction in our CO2 emissions. As milk quotas were removed from Europe in 2015 there has been significant growth in the Aurivo region by our shareholder dairy farm families.

About Roberta McDonald:

Roberta is currently Sustainability Manager of Aurivo Cooperative Society, tasked with creating and developing a sustainability strategy for the dairy business moving forward.

After graduating from UCD, she completed a PhD from UCD and Teagasc Moorepark on the development of New Entrant dairy farms and farmers. Upon completion of her PhD, Roberta became creator and coordinator of the Aurivo Farm Profitability Programme for 4 years.

She is a board member of Nuffield Ireland and a Council member of the Agricultural Science Association.

About Aurivo:

Aurivo is a globally focussed agrifood business with leading, profitable businesses and consumer brands in dairy ingredients, consumer foods, retail stores, animal feeds, and livestock marts. Aurivo has a strong ambition that is supported by a robust business model and strategic plan that positions Aurivo for sustainable growth, creating value for our members.