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DSM receives landmark EU okay for its methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer
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Saturday, 05 March, 2022, 12 : 00 PM [IST]
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Heerlens
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Royal DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company, has announced that European Union (EU) member states approved the marketing of the methane-reducing feed additive for dairy cows, Bovaer, in the EU. After inclusion in the EU registry, expected in the coming weeks, it is the first time a feed additive authorised in the EU for environmental benefits can be marketed. This marks a significant milestone for the company, paving the way for Bovaer to revolutionise the dairy market.
Methane has a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide, which is why reducing methane emissions was identified at COP26 as one of the most significant short-term means of tackling climate change. More than 100 governments pledged to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030, as part of the Global Methane Pledge, launched by the EU and the US.
Bovaer will contribute to the greening of the EU's agriculture, and to the objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy. As stated in the European Commission’s confirmation of approval, the innovative feed additive is safe for use without impacting the quality of dairy products and is the first of its kind to be available within the EU which can reduce methane emissions. The Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides, said in the EU press release: "Innovation is key for a successful shift towards a more sustainable food system. The EU continues to lead the way in ensuring food safety while adapting to new technologies that can make food production more sustainable. Cutting farming-related methane emissions is key in our fight against climate change and today's approval is a very telling example of what we can achieve through new agricultural innovations.”
The dairy industry has an important role to play as enteric methane from dairy cows is responsible for up to 60% of the global greenhouse gas emissions from milk production. Bovaer consistently reduces these methane emissions by around 30%. EU market authorisation therefore represents a ground-breaking step toward more sustainable milk production, giving farmers, dairy companies and retailers a trusted and safe product with proven efficacy that will substantially lower dairy’s carbon footprint. And ultimately it enables the consumer to purchase sustainable dairy.
The product is the result of a decade of scientific research, including more than 50 peer-reviewed studies published in independent scientific journals and 48 on-farm trials in 14 countries across 4 continents. The company has entered into partnerships with several major dairy companies to prepare for the implementation of Bovaer at large scale. These preparations will contribute to its smooth incorporation into existing farming practices and ensure its impact can be felt as soon as possible. DSM has also already begun engineering works for a large-scale Bovaer plant at its manufacturing site in Dalry, Scotland.
Geraldine Matchett, Co-CEO, DSM, commented: “Bovaer has the power to truly revolutionise the global dairy industry. We are extremely proud that, after a decade of research, trials, and value chain collaboration, its potential has been recognised with this historic market approval.”
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