USA – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program is allocating over US$18 million to address methane emissions in dairy farms through collaborative projects with Newtrient.
Michigan Milk Producers Association, as part of this initiative, has received US$6.2 million to expedite methane reduction efforts on approximately 20 farms across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
Doug Chapin, Chairman of Michigan Milk Producers Association, expressed enthusiasm about the grant, emphasizing that any viable methane reduction practices, such as waste separation, treatment, and nutrient recovery, could be integrated into the project.
“The initiative also explores the inclusion of feed management and additives, with technical assistance provided by Newtrient to participating farmers.”
In a broader context, an additional US$9 million grant has been awarded to farmers in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana through a collaboration with Foremost Farms USA and other partners.
Idaho farmers secured US$3.1 million for a project involving partnerships with McDonald’s, Schreiber Foods, Glanbia Nutritionals, and Athian.
Notably, these partnerships include a commitment of US$7 million from dairy companies that will purchase the reduction outcomes generated by farmers as carbon offsets.
In related news, FBD Holdings plc, FBD Trust CLG, and Farmer Business Developments Plc have collectively contributed US$6.5 million to the development of a new Centre for Sustainable Animal and Grassland Research at Teagasc Moorepark in Cork, Ireland.
The research center aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the environmental sustainability of Irish agriculture.
The new facility will focus on climate-related research, providing innovative solutions to improve the environmental sustainability of pasture-based systems and enhance the efficiency of Ireland’s ruminant sector.
The contribution from FBD Holdings plc and partners is expected to support vital research infrastructure and help farmers achieve climate reduction targets.
The facility, once built, will be named after the late Padraig Walshe, recognizing his significant contributions to agriculture and farming in Ireland and abroad.
Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, will oversee the development of the new research center, subject to standard approvals and controls for public-sector capital projects.
The funding from FBD Holdings plc aligns with their commitment to advancing climate-related research and supporting the agricultural community in meeting emissions reduction targets.
