Defra has today (26 October) committed to working with industry
to deliver further action to reduce methane emissions in
livestock through the use of methane-suppressing feed products in
England.
Following a call for evidence run jointly with the Devolved
Governments to better understand the opportunities and challenges
associated with products, Defra has confirmed it will work
closely with industry and farmers to encourage their widespread
adoption in England. The move delivers on the commitment in the
Environmental Improvement Plan to explore innovative ways to
reduce agricultural emissions.
With these innovative methane-suppressing feed products expected
to enter the market from 2025, Defra’s summary of
responses lays out plans which could, for instance, include
guidance, advice and support through schemes such as the Farming
Innovation Programme, Animal Health and Welfare Pathway,
Environmental Land Management schemes, or 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’s 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.
Farming Minister 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.
These plans align with the government’s response also
published today 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.
Ruminant livestock, particularly cows and sheep, are identified
as the primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions in the
agricultural sector. 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.
The publication of the summary of responses has been delivered in
close collaboration with the Devolved Administrations of Northern
Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
