The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said it has committed to working with industry to reduce methane emissions in livestock through the use of methane-suppressing feed products.
Defra has today (Thursday, October 26) confirmed it will work in close collaboration with industry and farmers to encourage the widespread adoption of methane-suppressing feed products in England.
The methane-suppressing feed products are expected to enter the market from 2025.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:
“We are fully committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by 2050 and it is vital that we continue to explore ways to assist farmers in sustainable food production while also further reducing emissions from agriculture.
“We will continue to work closely with industry to develop a mature market and mandate the use of safe and effective methane suppressing feed products in suitable cattle systems in England as soon as feasible.”
Defra’s summary of responses lays out plans which could include guidance, advice and support through schemes like the Farming Innovation Programme, Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, Environmental Land Management schemes.
The department also said it could result in the introduction of a tailor-made programme.
The summary of responses has been developed jointly with the devolved administrations, and builds on wider UK action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – including through the net zero growth plan.
Defra said its ultimate objective is to establish a mature market, encourage uptake and mandate the use of these products in appropriate cattle systems across England, as soon as feasibly possible and no later than 2030.
Methane and livestock
Defra said the plans for methane-suppressing feed products align with the UK government’s response to the 2023 climate change committee progress report, which recommended the mandatory addition of methane-inhibiting additives to feed products for UK beef and dairy systems.
The agricultural sector in the UK accounted for 10% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, with methane emissions contributing substantially to this figure, Defra said.
“Ruminant livestock, particularly cows and sheep, are identified as the primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector,” the department said.
“However, research has provided promising evidence that feed products with methane-inhibiting properties can significantly reduce these emissions, particularly in the case of confined cattle.”
