Innovative Investment in Tasmanian Livestock: A Partnership for Reducing Emissions
Source: The DairyNews
The Tasmanian government is spearheading an initiative to slash greenhouse gas emissions by over 16,000 tonnes through a targeted investment in the agricultural sector. With a $4 million allocation, the state aims to significantly lower emissions from livestock.
Nick Duigan, the Minister for Parks and Environment, announced that TasFarmers, in collaboration with local enterprise Sea Forest, has been selected to execute the Low Emissions Livestock Grant Program. This program will oversee a large-scale trial to test the efficacy of Asparagopsis feed supplements, which have shown promise in prior small-scale trials.
"Livestock farming surpasses even the transport sector as the largest source of greenhouse gases in Tasmania," stated Minister Duigan. The initiative with Sea Forest will incorporate their Asparagopsis SeaFeed into the diets of approximately 24,000 cattle across dairy and beef sectors. This is expected to reduce carbon emissions by an equivalent of removing 7,000 cars from Tasmania's roads over the next three years.
Minister Duigan highlighted the collaborative effort involving major dairy and beef producers and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, which will oversee the evaluation of this project. "This collaborative endeavor underscores our commitment to harnessing local innovation and government support to tackle climate change effectively," he added.
The project also requires a financial contribution from TasFarmers, underscoring the mutual commitment to achieving a successful outcome.
Jack Holden, General Manager Sustainability Global Markets at Fonterra, expressed the company's enthusiasm for being part of this groundbreaking project. "This initiative not only allows us to expand our trials of Asparagopsis red seaweed but also helps us accelerate our learning and scaling efforts in the fight against climate change," Holden said. He also commended Richard Gardner and his family at Annandale for their pivotal role in advancing these trials at a commercial scale.
Through government backing and industry collaboration, Tasmania is positioned to become a leader in sustainable agricultural practices, setting a global example in the process.
"Livestock farming surpasses even the transport sector as the largest source of greenhouse gases in Tasmania," stated Minister Duigan. The initiative with Sea Forest will incorporate their Asparagopsis SeaFeed into the diets of approximately 24,000 cattle across dairy and beef sectors. This is expected to reduce carbon emissions by an equivalent of removing 7,000 cars from Tasmania's roads over the next three years.
Minister Duigan highlighted the collaborative effort involving major dairy and beef producers and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, which will oversee the evaluation of this project. "This collaborative endeavor underscores our commitment to harnessing local innovation and government support to tackle climate change effectively," he added.
The project also requires a financial contribution from TasFarmers, underscoring the mutual commitment to achieving a successful outcome.
Jack Holden, General Manager Sustainability Global Markets at Fonterra, expressed the company's enthusiasm for being part of this groundbreaking project. "This initiative not only allows us to expand our trials of Asparagopsis red seaweed but also helps us accelerate our learning and scaling efforts in the fight against climate change," Holden said. He also commended Richard Gardner and his family at Annandale for their pivotal role in advancing these trials at a commercial scale.
Through government backing and industry collaboration, Tasmania is positioned to become a leader in sustainable agricultural practices, setting a global example in the process.
