Irish Dairy Processors Launch Initiative to Tackle Methane Emissions
Several of Ireland's prominent dairy processors, including Carbery Group, Dairygold, Kerry Dairy Ireland, Lakeland Dairies, and Ornua, have joined forces in a new research initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, from livestock. This collaboration is centered at the VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre, located in Teagasc Moorepark.
The initiative, named the 'Greenhouse Gas Hub', involves co-funded research efforts between VistaMilk, the Teagasc Climate Centre, and the five dairy co-operatives. The primary focus is on developing methods to decrease enteric methane emissions from pasture-based dairy systems, a significant source of greenhouse gases.
Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority in Ireland, has stated that the project will help create an evidence base to support strategies that align with national climate targets. This initiative not only aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the dairy sector but also seeks to maintain the economic viability of farms, along with ensuring food safety and animal welfare.
VistaMilk is a collaborative research center involving 13 research institutes across Ireland. It is co-funded by Research Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The new initiative builds on prior research that revealed enteric methane emissions from pasture-based systems are 8% to 10% lower than previously estimated.
The project will also include early trials to evaluate various strategies for reducing methane emissions, with long-term system studies planned to assess the comprehensive environmental and economic impacts. A stakeholder advisory group will guide the research priorities to ensure its relevance and impact across the dairy sector.
Dr. Ben Lahart and Prof. Laurence Shalloo, researchers involved in the project, emphasized the importance of the collaboration in supporting a profitable and sustainable dairy sector. They highlighted the project's role in reinforcing Ireland's international reputation as a leader in low-carbon, pasture-based dairy production.
