TL;DR:
- The Greener Cattle Initiative announces a new funding round for research aimed at reducing cattle’s methane emissions.
- Up to $5 million is available for projects focusing on scalable, sustainable technologies to mitigate enteric methane emissions.
- The initiative aims to support the dairy and beef sectors in meeting sustainability goals by developing effective methane reduction strategies.
The Greener Cattle Initiative, a collaborative effort led by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, has opened its second call for research proposals. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to reduce enteric methane emissions from cattle, a significant contributor to greenhouse gases.
With a focus on developing scalable technologies that can benefit farmers, ranchers, consumers, and the environment, the consortium is addressing the urgent need for sustainable practices in the livestock industry.
Methane, more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere, poses a considerable challenge in the fight against climate change. The initiative’s goal is to explore and implement strategies that can significantly reduce methane emissions from cattle, thereby aiding the dairy and beef sectors in achieving their sustainability objectives.
Research areas of interest include non-vaccine delivery mechanisms for enteric methane mitigation, early-life interventions, the combined effects of multiple technologies, and long-term studies on the impact of these technologies on animal health and productivity.
A funding pool of up to $5 million is available for selected projects, with matching funds being optional. The call for pre-applications is open until 5 p.m. ET, April 3, 2024, inviting participation from domestic and international higher education institutions, nonprofit and for-profit organisations, and government-affiliated research agencies.
Further details and application guidelines are available on the Greener Cattle Initiative’s Request for Applications webpage.
An informational webinar hosted by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research on March 6, 2024, provided insights into this funding opportunity, with a recording available on their website. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their questions in advance to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the application process and research objectives.
Juan Tricarico, senior vice president for environmental research at the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, emphasised the importance of developing enteric methane mitigation options that cater to the unique conditions of individual farms.
By offering scientifically proven solutions that address the diverse needs of the farming community, the initiative aims to enhance the adoption of new technologies and methods, ultimately contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
