ORGANIC MILK PRODUCTION UNDER A SUSTAINABLE MODEL IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO TO CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCING GLOBAL WARMING: A CASE STUDY

The aim of this paper is to present how the production of “milk-based electricity” through biogas generation was successfully achieved by a Mexican dairy. The Lujan Livestock Agricultural Company is located in the City of Delicias in the State of Chihuahua. It has a capacity of approximately 8,000 Holstein cows. In addition, the enterprise has built the largest biodigester in Latin America, which is presently producing methane gas to generate electricity. Water management is also important to the Lujan dairy to reach milk production targets. The dairy is generating about 470 kWh as a result of methane gas production, representing an energy savings of about 30% per month, or 30,000 pesos per month. In the last 10 months it has produced approximately 112,500 kWh per month. Since 2008 until now it has produced more than 2.9 million cubic meters of methane gas for electricity generation, contributing to the reduction of global warming. Moreover, the Company produces 16,000 tons of compost per year that is used in forage and agricultural production to reduce contamination by inorganic fertilizers. Furthermore it is certified by the FDA. The Lujan Dairy is now considered a national model of organic milk production, and in fact, the company won the 2012 National Award in Agribusiness and the same year was a finalist in the National Award for Saving Energy. The company is a clear example that agricultural or commodity products can be produced while managing natural resources in a proper and environmentally friendly manner.