Woerle rewards farmers for CO₂ savings
Under the title "WOERLE continues to work", a comprehensive sustainability project for biodiversity was initiated in the Henndorf private cheese dairy in 2020. A number of measures have already been implemented since then. This year the focus is on the topic of climate protection - specifically on the reduction of CO₂ emissions in the region. Agriculture should also be actively involved. WOERLE rewards every tonne of CO₂ saved.
Unusual weather conditions such as longer periods of drought or heavy rain events are showing more and more often in our latitudes that climate change is already in full swing. At WOERLE, the next step is now being taken as part of the long-term sustainability strategy - for more climate protection through less CO₂. “The way we treat our environment and resources now will have a serious impact on the quality of life for future generations. It is therefore becoming more and more important to reduce the emission of climate-damaging CO₂ or to bind CO₂ biogenously," says Managing Director Gerrit Woerle, describing the motivation for the current project. The Henndorf private cheese dairy has set itself a clear goal for this: “We want to reduce our CO₂ footprint by 1.250 tons every year while maintaining maximum added value in the region. Because it is important to us that the best milk from regional family farms will continue to be available in the future,” explains Gerrit Woerle. You want to achieve this ambitious goal together with the milk suppliers and you will pay for it. Because the regional CO₂-saving measures are rewarded with a generous bonus payment.
Picture above: One of the many examples of active CO₂ reduction at the "Hauss" farm in Palting: the new activated carbon system. In the picture (from left to right) the Lechner family with Gerrit Woerle (Managing Director), Diana Reuter (Project Manager) and Antonia Roither (Supplier Support). Photo: WOERLE
CO₂ account for more climate protection in agriculture
As part of the "Together for a future fit for grandchildren" project, WOERLE invited all supplying dairy farmers at the beginning of the year to actively reduce their own CO₂ footprint through appropriate climate protection measures. With this project, which is unique in Austria, the private cheese dairy once again demonstrates its pioneering role with regard to sustainable management and awareness-raising. "From 2021 we will support our farmers in implementing climate protection measures with €50 per tonne of CO₂ not emitted, saved or newly bound," says Gerrit Woerle. And with that, WOERLE presents itself, because on the world market one tonne of CO₂ "costs" between €1,5 and €15. In the Henndorfer Käserei, however, a conscious decision was made not to support international projects but small farm structures in the region. "With € 50 per tonne of CO₂, we pay the best price in Austria - that is our clear decision for a future suitable for our grandchildren, for our farming families and for our best milk," says Woerle.
And the response from farmers is great: by the end of February, the region's highly motivated dairy farmers had registered more than 100 projects. "Every measure, no matter how small, counts and is a further step in the direction of climate protection," emphasizes project manager Diana Reuter, adding, "We are very pleased that our project was so well received and that so many farmers are taking part right after it started. At the same time, this is confirmation for us that we are on the right track.”
The measures taken by farmers to reduce CO₂ include installing a new photovoltaic system, purchasing more efficient milk cooling systems or pumps, replacing the oil heating system, insulating attic ceilings and planting fruit trees. Many of the Woerle farmers also implement their own ideas on their farms. The measures submitted are checked and evaluated by an external expert. All measures that are new in 2021 will be rewarded.
Long-term strategy for climate-friendly cheese
Climate protection measures - in the company and on the farm - often mean investments that only pay off after a long time. Therefore, the CO₂ footprint of the WOERLE cheese specialties Lowered step by step and at the same time the value of these quality products increased. "We are convinced that the demand for products with a smaller CO₂ footprint will steadily increase," emphasizes Gerrit Woerle.
Further activities to achieve climate-resilient agriculture are the education and research cooperation with the HBLA Ursprung, under the direction of Dr. Konrad Steiner, scientific companion of the WOERLE sustainability projects. Furthermore, the campaign is accompanied by lectures and workshops to promote awareness and sensitization for the topic of climate protection.
Picture below: Another measure for climate protection: new acquisition of an efficient milk cooling system at the "Speckbauern" in Oberhofen. In the picture Franz Loibichler and Gerrit Woerle (Photo: WOERLE)
