Taranaki Hosts 'Mooving on Methane' Event to Tackle Dairy Emissions
Source: The DairyNews
This week, Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency for Taranaki, organized the 'Mooving on Methane' event, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in reducing methane emissions within the dairy sector. The event convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, scientists, rural professionals, and representatives from major industry players like DairyNZ, Fonterra, Nestlé, and the Ministry of Primary Industries, as well as tech innovators like Ruminent Biotech and CH4 Global.
Anne Probert, Director of Strategic and Sector Partnerships at Venture Taranaki, emphasized the importance of exploring both existing and emerging methods to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows, which significantly contribute to the industry’s greenhouse gas outputs. The event underscored that while there is no single solution to methane reduction, a combination of best-practice farming initiatives—ranging from improved pasture management to advanced breeding programs—can make a substantial impact.
However, the discussions also revealed a rapidly advancing sector of technical and entrepreneurial solutions being developed and implemented internationally. Noteworthy are the efforts of AgriZeroNZ, which is co-funded by the government and private sector, investing in promising startups like Ruminant Biotech and ArkeaBio. Meanwhile, companies like CH4 Global are developing natural feed supplements such as Asparagopsis seaweed to reduce methane emissions, though they face regulatory hurdles in New Zealand.
A critical issue highlighted at the event was the financial aspect of adopting these methane-reducing solutions. With no clear return on investment without premium payments from major customers, the question of who bears the cost remains a significant barrier. This challenge is echoed globally, with countries like Denmark already moving to subsidize such initiatives to support their farmers.
Fonterra pointed out the potential benefits of promoting New Zealand’s nature-based solutions and sustainable farming practices on the global stage. Similarly, the cooperative Miraka is successfully using premium payments to incentivize farmers to adopt sustainable practices, enhancing their market competitiveness.
Probert stressed the urgency of addressing methane emissions to ensure the long-term viability of the dairy industry in Taranaki and beyond. "With so many livelihoods intertwined with the dairy industry, we need to ensure its future success by rapidly reducing methane emissions on our dairy farms," she said.
Venture Taranaki plans to compile a report from the insights and discussions at the 'Mooving on Methane' event to further advance the strategies for methane reduction in the dairy sector.
However, the discussions also revealed a rapidly advancing sector of technical and entrepreneurial solutions being developed and implemented internationally. Noteworthy are the efforts of AgriZeroNZ, which is co-funded by the government and private sector, investing in promising startups like Ruminant Biotech and ArkeaBio. Meanwhile, companies like CH4 Global are developing natural feed supplements such as Asparagopsis seaweed to reduce methane emissions, though they face regulatory hurdles in New Zealand.
A critical issue highlighted at the event was the financial aspect of adopting these methane-reducing solutions. With no clear return on investment without premium payments from major customers, the question of who bears the cost remains a significant barrier. This challenge is echoed globally, with countries like Denmark already moving to subsidize such initiatives to support their farmers.
Fonterra pointed out the potential benefits of promoting New Zealand’s nature-based solutions and sustainable farming practices on the global stage. Similarly, the cooperative Miraka is successfully using premium payments to incentivize farmers to adopt sustainable practices, enhancing their market competitiveness.
Probert stressed the urgency of addressing methane emissions to ensure the long-term viability of the dairy industry in Taranaki and beyond. "With so many livelihoods intertwined with the dairy industry, we need to ensure its future success by rapidly reducing methane emissions on our dairy farms," she said.
Venture Taranaki plans to compile a report from the insights and discussions at the 'Mooving on Methane' event to further advance the strategies for methane reduction in the dairy sector.
