The Milk Roadmap, launched by the industry and the Environment Department (Defra), also outlines plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farms by 20-30% by 2020.

Defra said the roadmap aimed to address the environmental consequences of producing liquid milk through the supply chain from farms to retailers.

According to the department, milk and meat production account for around 7% of UK greenhouse gas emissions.

Around half of all milk produced remains as a liquid, with the rest made into butter, cheese, yoghurt and other products.

Among the targets outlined in the draft document are commitments to boost the amount of farmland covered by environmental stewardship schemes to 65%, and measures to improve animal welfare and cut emissions from soils and fertilisers.

Producers have also pledged to improve water efficiency by up to 15% per litre, source 40% of energy from renewables by 2020 and recycle or recover 70% of non-natural waste on farms.

Processors have committed to doing their bit by aiming to source 20% of non-transport energy from renewables or combined heat and power which is more efficient than conventional energy production, and a 30% reduction in water use.

The draft document, which will be reviewed in September, suggests major retailers should establish good relationships with farmers and milk processors to help meet the targets.

Retail commitments are not yet in the roadmap, but the document says the retail sector is committed to energy and water reduction targets in the future and to cutting the environmental footprint of stores and boosting recycling.