Green campaigners argue that the government should encourage farmers to adopt methane suppressants via the existing Sustainable Farming Incentive programme.

According to Green Alliance, one of the most straightforward ways for farmers to reduce methane emissions is by incorporating methane-suppressing feed additives into cows' diets.

This recommendation is featured in a new report from the environmental think tank, which notes that dairy cows are ‘especially well-suited’ to these feed products.

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Defra aims to mandate the use of methane suppressants in England by 2030 and is currently developing a Dairy Demonstrator programme to test these products across all four UK nations. However, farmers currently receive no financial assistance to implement methane suppressants.

The devolved governments also lack concrete plans to incentivise their use, although Northern Ireland is funding additional research trials, and the Scottish government is contemplating subsidies.

Meanwhile, farmers in Belgium and Slovenia can now access subsidies that cover up to 80% of the costs of these products through the new Eco-scheme agricultural payments.

Green Alliance’s report states: "Farmers are increasingly discontented with the impact of unfavourable trade deals and price squeezing by supermarkets.

"But the government’s lack of financial support for farms to use methane suppressants is another way British farmers are being left behind compared to their counterparts in other countries.”

The report highlights that methane suppressants are up to 60 times more cost-effective as an emissions reduction measure than other farming interventions currently subsidised by the government.

These products are typically fed indoors at least once daily and are most effective when included with every mouthful of food. The cost is minimal, approximately half a penny per pint of milk produced.

The report recommends that new government subsidies be introduced for English farmers to use methane suppressant feed additives through the Sustainable Farming Incentive programme (SFI).

Additionally, it suggests that Defra should support further research into other methane suppressants, including seaweed-based products, through the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock.