Greener Cattle Initiative opens call for methane emission research

The Greener Cattle Initiative anticipates awarding up to $4.67 million for research projects.

May 19, 2022

3 Min Read
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Enteric methane, which animals release into the atmosphere by belching or exhaling, is a significant source of direct greenhouse gas emissions. The Greener Cattle Initiative, an industry collaborative created by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, is issuing a request for applications to advance enteric methane reduction research. The initiative specifically seeks research to develop scalable technologies that reduce enteric methane emissions and enhance sustainable production of beef and dairy.

“Mitigating enteric methane emissions from cattle is critical for addressing the carbon footprint of beef and dairy production,” said FFAR’s Scientific Program Director Dr. Tim Kurt. “We are eager to invest in impactful, socially responsible research that will ultimately benefit livestock, producers and the environment.”

This initial request for proposals seeks preliminary research that can serve as the basis for future breakthroughs and scalable solutions. The Greener Cattle Initiative welcomes research that mitigates enteric methane emissions in one or more of the following areas: nutrition and management strategies; genetic approaches and phenotyping strategies; rumen microbiome research; or sensing and data technology.

Projects should have the potential to transform the field of enteric methane research and agricultural sustainability. Additionally, research must be commercially viable, economically feasible and socially responsible without negatively impacting animal health and welfare, productivity, product quality and consumer and environmental safety.

The Greener Cattle Initiative anticipates awarding up to $4.67 million under this call for projects with applicants able to request up to that amount or a portion of the funds available. Visit the Greener Cattle Initiative Request for Applications webpage for additional information including details on how to apply. Pre-applications are due on June 22, 2022.

The Greener Cattle Initiative welcomes applications from all domestic and international higher education institutions, non-profit and for-profit organizations and government-affiliated research agencies.

FFAR is hosting an informational webinar on May 24 at 1 p.m. ET about this opportunity. Visit the GCI webinar event webpage for details on how to join. Additionally, FFAR invites interested individuals to submit questions in advance of the webinar to [email protected]

Formed in 2021, the Greener Cattle Initiative funds research that provides beef and cattle producers with solutions for enteric methane emission mitigation to curb the escalating climate crisis. Members of the consortium include FFAR, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, ADM, the Council on Dairy Cattle BreedingElancoGenus PLC, JBS USA, the National Dairy Herd Information AssociationNestlé and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.

Source: The Greener Cattle Initiative, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

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