Farmers supplying Arla will participate in a trial using a feed additive designed to lower enteric methane emissions from cattle.

Initially, 30 farmers will test Bovaer®, a feed additive that has been shown to cut enteric methane emissions from cows by an average of 27%.

The project aims to demonstrate how such additives can be seamlessly integrated into standard feeding practices.

In a unique collaborative effort, the initiative brings together the dairy cooperative with major retailers Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco.

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Paul Dover, UK agricultural director at Arla Foods, emphasised the 'huge potential' of feed additives in reducing emissions but acknowledged the challenges of large-scale adoption due to the associated costs.

“We know that reducing methane is a big opportunity when it comes to improving our carbon footprint at farm level," Dover explained.

"Bringing partners together from across the industry in this initiative highlights the support there is for British farmers in transitioning to more sustainable farming methods.”

Arla has set ambitious climate goals, including a 30% reduction in scope three CO2e emissions by 2030.

Andrew Barraclough, a farmer involved in the trial, noted that while the industry is striving for greater sustainability, 'we can’t do it alone'.

“Working on initiatives that help reduce our impact on the environment is something that I am extremely passionate about." he said.

"We know that feed additives have a lot of potential in helping us to reduce emissions, but they can be expensive, which adds to the overall cost in producing milk."