New Zealand Dairy Industry Takes $4.2 Billion Hit

New Zealand’s dairy industry has reported a $4.2 billion loss in revenue, dropping from $18.1 billion to $13.2 billion in just one year. The dairy alternative industry, however, continues to rise—with almond milk sales spiking 143 percent in 2013, according to Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing Company. “You had to be hiding under a bridge staring at goats if you were surprised by these,” Chris Lewis, Waikato Federated Farmers president, said. Lewis also stressed the need for an overhaul of the dairy industry to reach “environmental sustainability” in order to regain profitablity. Recent studies show animal agribusiness contributes more destructive pollution to the environment than do vehicles, while plant-based diets are proven to significantly reduce pressure on our ecosystem.