NFU Raises Concerns Over Long-Term Impact of Arla’s Methane-Suppressing Feed Additive Trial
Source: DairyNews.today
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has expressed concerns over the long-term effectiveness and potential impacts of Arla's trial of the methane-suppressing feed additive Bovaer®, as the dairy cooperative partners with major retailers Morrisons, Tesco, and Aldi, along with 30 farms, for the initiative.
Arla's trial of Bovaer® aims to reduce enteric methane emissions fr om cows by an average of 27%. The powdered supplement, which can be added to animal feed, works by inhibiting methane production during digestion. The product has been approved in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Canada, and received UK approval in April 2024.
However, the announcement has sparked debate, particularly on social media, wh ere questions have arisen about the environmental and health implications of the product. In response, the NFU acknowledged that while the potential of methane-suppressing supplements is recognized, "questions remain" about their long-term effectiveness and impact on farm operations.
The NFU has been involved in government discussions on methane inhibitors, which it views as a potential tool for supporting sustainable food supply chains. In October 2023, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) reiterated its commitment to reducing methane emissions in livestock and promoting methane-suppressing feed products.
Despite this, the NFU emphasized the importance of ensuring these products perform effectively in real-world conditions and are implemented alongside other emission-reduction strategies, such as improvements in animal genetics and farming efficiency.
Paul Tompkins, chair of the NFU Dairy Board, noted, “Questions remain about long-term efficacy, practical on-farm usage, and ensuring animal health and welfare are not compromised.” He also pointed out that research by Defra has shown that consumers are generally supportive of methane-suppressing products, provided there are no negative health impacts.
Tompkins stressed the need for a strong evidence base to ensure farmers are confident in using such products. The collaboration between Arla, major retailers, and participating farms could provide valuable insights into the practical application and effectiveness of methane inhibitors, he added.
The NFU called for continued cooperation between the supply chain and government to ensure informed decision-making on greenhouse gas reduction methods.
However, the announcement has sparked debate, particularly on social media, wh ere questions have arisen about the environmental and health implications of the product. In response, the NFU acknowledged that while the potential of methane-suppressing supplements is recognized, "questions remain" about their long-term effectiveness and impact on farm operations.
The NFU has been involved in government discussions on methane inhibitors, which it views as a potential tool for supporting sustainable food supply chains. In October 2023, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) reiterated its commitment to reducing methane emissions in livestock and promoting methane-suppressing feed products.
Despite this, the NFU emphasized the importance of ensuring these products perform effectively in real-world conditions and are implemented alongside other emission-reduction strategies, such as improvements in animal genetics and farming efficiency.
Paul Tompkins, chair of the NFU Dairy Board, noted, “Questions remain about long-term efficacy, practical on-farm usage, and ensuring animal health and welfare are not compromised.” He also pointed out that research by Defra has shown that consumers are generally supportive of methane-suppressing products, provided there are no negative health impacts.
Tompkins stressed the need for a strong evidence base to ensure farmers are confident in using such products. The collaboration between Arla, major retailers, and participating farms could provide valuable insights into the practical application and effectiveness of methane inhibitors, he added.
The NFU called for continued cooperation between the supply chain and government to ensure informed decision-making on greenhouse gas reduction methods.
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