The UK dairy sector is preparing to introduce a methane-reducing solution to the English, Welsh, and Scottish markets after securing approval from the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland. The feed additive, developed by dsm-firmenich, has been authorized for use in 57 countries, including the EU and Northern Ireland. The approval signifies the first time UK regulators have given the green light to a feed additive specifically designed to deliver environmental benefits.
Manufacturers claim that the introduction of the feed additive could lead to a 10-15% reduction in scope 3 emissions from dairy, significantly lowering the carbon footprint for each liter of milk produced. This groundbreaking approval is part of a broader initiative led by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) to help the livestock industry mitigate its environmental impact by using methane-suppressing feed products.
The UK government aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As part of this goal, dsm-firmenich is constructing a large-scale production plant in Scotland to support global sales of the feed additive, with an expected operational launch date in 2025.
In preparation for the incorporation of Bovaer into the feed routines of animals, agricultural equipment and supplies business Mole Valley Farmers has advised farmers to seek assistance. Despite the product’s potential, it’s important to carefully consider its inclusion rate and how it can be effectively balanced within diets to lower overall emissions.
In a recent evidence call conducted by Defra, the majority of farmers indicated they had no plans to trial methane-suppressing feed additives. Only a small percentage expressed positive perceptions toward the technology. However, with the product still entering the market, there may be opportunities to improve farmer confidence. Defra plans to incentivize the uptake of such products in England, while the Welsh and Scottish governments have also shown commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of low-carbon farming technology, including methane-suppressing products.
Overall, Bovaer’s approval represents a significant development in the food and beverage industry’s drive towards sustainability. The collaboration between dsm-firmenich, regulators, and the agricultural sector demonstrates the potential for innovative technology to drive positive change within the industry.
