UK- The UK regulatory authorities have granted market authorization for the methane-busting feed additive, Bovaer.
This innovative product, developed by dsm-firmenich, is proven to reduce enteric methane emissions from dairy cows by an average of 30%. The authorization ensures its availability in England, Wales, and Scotland from early this year.
The approval from the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland in December 2023 paved the way for Bovaer’s introduction to the UK, adding to its existing authorization in 57 countries, including the EU and Northern Ireland.
According to the manufacturer, the introduction of Bovaer could potentially slash scope 3 emissions from dairy, occurring in the value chain, by 10-15% carbon equivalents per liter of milk.
This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time UK regulators have approved a feed additive specifically formulated to deliver an environmental benefit.
The market authorization of Bovaer aligns with the broader strategy outlined by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
The initiative aims to provide solutions to the livestock industry to lower its environmental impact through the use of methane-suppressing feed products.
Ruminant livestock, particularly cows and sheep, have been identified as primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture and research suggests that feed products with methane-inhibiting properties can play a crucial role in significantly reducing these emissions, particularly in confined cattle.
The UK, with a commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, is actively exploring solutions to assist farmers in reducing agricultural emissions.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer stressed the importance of exploring ways to help farmers lower their environmental impact.
Mark van Nieuwland, Vice President of Bovaer at dsm-firmenich, highlighted the company’s commitment to the global market by constructing a large-scale production plant in Dalry, Scotland. The plant is expected to become operational in 2025.
Despite the promising potential of Bovaer, Mole Valley Farmers, an agricultural equipment and supplies business, cautioned farmers to seek assistance when incorporating the feed additive into their animals’ feed routine.
While the technology has received approval, a recent Defra evidence call revealed mixed perceptions among farmers. A majority (74%) expressed no plans to trial the technology, with 41% holding mainly or very negative views of methane-suppressing feed additives.
To address this, Defra plans to incentivize the uptake of such products, working closely with industry stakeholders to introduce effective support mechanisms.
The Welsh and Scottish governments have also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by working with the industry to incorporate low-carbon farming technologies, including methane-suppressing products.
These developments highlight the potential for Bovaer to play a pivotal role in transforming the environmental impact of the agricultural sector in the UK.
For all the latest grains industry news from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our weekly NEWSLETTERS, follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
