Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge
Environment, Energy and Natural Resources
Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery
Deadlines
Academic Unit: inquire with unit
Memorial Deadline: Friday 2nd, February 2024
External Deadline: Wednesday 7th, February 2024
Description
Canadian cattle producers have a reputation for delivering both high-quality beef and dairy while making commitments to environmental sustainability goals. The sector is already taking steps to improve animal health, feed efficiency and pasture management—practices that contribute to reductions in methane emissions while delivering other environmental benefits. However, there are many unexplored opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially methane from the cattle sector. By working in partnership with producers, the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge will help to accelerate a suite of sustainable innovations to address methane emissions head-on. By partnering together, we can move further and faster to reduce agricultural methane emissions while spurring economic growth and innovation in our economy.
Addressing methane emissions from cattle is complex. About 86% of methane emissions in agriculture are released through a biological process called enteric fermentation that takes place in the gut of cattle and other ruminant animals. Therefore, emerging solutions need to be backed by strong scientific evidence to ensure the welfare of the animal and the safety of the product that will be ultimately sold to consumers while accounting for the variability in farm operations. Moreover, there are only a limited number of scientifically validated and economically viable solutions ready for commercialization and/or adoption. There is an urgent need for innovations and breakthroughs.
What are we looking for?
AAFC is looking to invest in, and support, solutions that:
- 1. Can reduce net enteric methane emissions – through measures such as average estimated reductions per head of cattle, annual reductions in Mt CO2 equivalents, or reduced methane intensity (depending on solution type).
- 2. Are innovative, with strong potential for meaningful change – rethinking existing solutions and processes.
- 3. Are ready to scale up – ready to test, measure, iterate and implement.
- 4. Have strong potential for adoption – there is buy-in from the sector and the solution can integrate with existing processes.
- 5. Can reduce upfront costs – taking a low-technology and economically viable approach.
What are some potential innovation areas?
A non-exhaustive list of some potential innovation areas are:
- -Feed additives and improvements, and related technologies such as precision feeding, improved forage quality, novel feed additives.
- -Pasture and grazing management practices that either improve an existing practice or introduce a novel approach.
- -Improving production and feed efficiency by leveraging improved cattle management, animal health or breeding practices.
Please see the Impact Canada site for more information.