How progression is communicated is as important as how it is delivered
The question of whether to adopt Bovaer, a feed supplement aimed at reducing methane emissions from dairy cows, has sparked considerable discussion within the industry.
As this new development unfolds, shoppers are understandably curious and a bit suspicious about what it means for the dairy products they love. The good news is that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) which oversees the approval of animal feed supplements in the UK, has thoroughly vetted Bovaer.
They enlisted independent experts to review over 58 studies, ultimately concluding that the supplement poses no safety concerns for consumers, animals or the environment. Bovaer is neither carcinogenic nor genotoxic, it can be handled in the same way as many other farm inputs and it is metabolised in the cow’s rumen, meaning it does not end up in the milk we drink. I hope any lingering worries about safety will soon fade because dairy farmers are currently caught in a tough spot; balancing consumer apprehensions with the urgent need to lower our greenhouse gas emissions.
Dairy products are found in 98% of households across the UK, which means we play a vital role in providing affordable, nutritious food to countless families.
However, this widespread presence also presents a challenge. We must cater to a diverse range of customer preferences, some consumers are indifferent to the carbon footprint of dairy, whilst others are actively seeking a low carbon diet. Our goal should be to meet this spectrum of demands effectively. Farmers are acutely aware of the legally binding international targets for reducing GHG emissions that the UK government has set on
our behalf.
Effective solutions
These regulations have trickled down to retailers, milk buyers and even banks, all of whom are now starting to monitor and encourage a smaller carbon footprint from their suppliers, including dairy farms. It’s essential to recognise that a significant portion of a bottle of milk’s carbon footprint originates from our side of the farm gate. To remain a staple in the shopping basket, we must find innovative ways to reduce this footprint.
There are already promising examples of progress, such as improvements in productivity, genetics, soil management, carbon sequestration and reduced fossil fuel inputs. Yet, these efforts alone might not suffice. This is where emerging technologies, like feed products which inhibit methane production, might come
into play.
Bovear has now been licenced in over sixty countries, with more manufacturers poised to follow suit. Those who embrace such products could soon find themselves reporting the smallest carbon footprints, potentially gaining a competitive advantage.
The NFU is closely monitoring the development of methane inhibitors and actively participates in government roundtable discussions. Given the ongoing pressure to demonstrate continuous improvement in our carbon footprint, we believe it’s crucial to remain open-minded about these products and other new tools.
However, we still have important questions regarding their effectiveness, practical application on farms
and costs.
“To remain a staple in the shopping basket, we must find innovative ways to reduce [carbon] footprint.”
We hope that ongoing fieldwork will help address some of these concerns and provide the evidence base
we need.
Before we adopt new ways of producing climate friendly food, the sector must also do more to understand the attitude of shoppers. To uphold the reputation of our dairy products, we must lower our carbon footprint but only with the support and understanding of consumers.
To achieve this, the NFU also believes that it is essential for advocates of methane inhibitors to communicate their benefits clearly to both consumers and dairy farmers. By fostering understanding and transparency, we can navigate this complex landscape together and ensure a sustainable future for dairy farming.