Reducing the energy wastage and carbon footprint of the dairy supply chain is one of the greatest challenges of this sector given net-zero targets set by the Scottish and UK Governments. The core of this project is to: * automate the gathering of operational data on a range of cooperative members' dairies for key energy consuming equipment; * present the analysis of that data to the management and staff in such a way that it highlights waste & opportunities for improvement; * track and reinforce efficiency improvements to embed it in the dairy's operation, lock in greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and increase business sustainability; * facilitate peer-to-peer comparison and identification of best practice between farms; * identify opportunities for optimisation of logistics collections based on bulk milk storage status on farm through real time data; and * sustain the cycle of continuous improvement whilst maintaining and improving quality of product. A significant part of achieving Net Zero is behavioural change of individuals. The project's digital solution, by scoping GHGE from the milk vat to the creamery, will enable farmers and dairy plant operators to edge closer to their net-zero targets and engage as wide a spectrum as possible of stakeholders in the process of continuous improvement. This project will leverage the data produced by stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and to quantify the impact of changes made along the supply chain management to benefit all involved (including quality premiums for the farms, energy efficient transport and better creamery products). The traceability of CO2e value of every litre of milk (Emission Index) processed through this digital supply chain will lead to betterment of operational decisions on a daily basis. This approach also provides a marketable answer to the ever-growing demand of the supermarkets /consumer for carbon aware sources of dairy products. This project will be setup using 10 farms from the MSA coop in collaboration with other partners in South and West of Scotland.

**VISION** Creating 624 jobs and £64M p.a. additional GVA, the Digital Dairy Value-Chain will deliver an uplift in the rural economies of Cumbria and South West Scotland. It will develop a world-class research, innovation, business and skills platform to establish the region as a leader in advanced, sustainable and high-value dairy manufacturing. Inclusive, innovation-led growth will also deliver wider societal and environmental gains including reductions in carbon footprints. The project will develop innovative technologies (e.g. sensors, IoT, 5G-communications, blockchain), infrastructure and advanced manufacturing processes to create a fully-integrated and traceable supply chain. It will generate new opportunities to optimise manufacturing, develop new products and markets, and valorise consumer concerns around dairy production. **GEOGRAPHY** Spanning national boundaries, Cumbria and SW Scotland produce 1.9bn litres of milk annually. As the UK's second largest milk producer, dairy manufacturing is an important source of economic activity and employment. Our geography is remote and rural. Regional GVA is well below the national average, high-value employment opportunities are limited and business innovation activity is patchy. The impacts of BREXIT and changes to agricultural support will be significant. This project focuses on AgriFood manufacturing, sustainable exploitation of natural capital, and digitalisation; all are priorities for regional growth. With 63% of our local authority areas having a negative prosperity gap there is significant untapped human capital. Social inclusivity goals cut across our activities particularly focusing on advancing opportunity for young people and women who are under-represented in dairying, STEM and business innovation. **NETWORK** We draw on an impressive network of world-class research capability (SRUC; University of Strathclyde; University of the West of Scotland); technology innovation centre (CENSIS); regional and multi-national dairy-processing companies (First Milk, Lactalis, Arla, Kendal Nutricare, Appleby Creamery); SmartSTEMs; and technology businesses (Lely, Seric, North). The project is backed by strong support from civic leadership. **OBJECTIVES** The project will: * **Develop digital connectivity.** Establish the region as a beacon for digitally-connected, value-added milk processing. * **Stimulate R&D.** Facilitate access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise, catalyse collaborative R&D and commercialisation of innovative products and processes. * **Facilitate business growth.** Provide business support and facilities for early ventures, scale-up businesses and established companies to undertake New Product Development (NPD) and process improvement. * **Attract talent and skills.** Foster a talent pipeline that advances opportunity and enables industry to exploit new technologies and market opportunities. This project leverages investments in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, Ayrshire Growth Deal, and Cumbria's Food Enterprise Zone.