The International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) is working with its members from around the world, as well as international organizations, agri-food chain partners, and other key stakeholders on a number of strategic initiatives to measure, benchmark and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact of livestock production globally.
As world leaders seek agreement at the UN conference on Climate Change (COP21/CMP11) in Paris, IFIF continues to collaborate with stakeholders on the agri-food chain to strengthen sustainable food production to help contribute to dietary quality and nutrient adequacy around the world through the provision of safe, affordable, nutritious and sustainable feed and food.
Livestock raising and the consumption of animal products make a crucial contribution to the economic and nutritional wellbeing of millions of people around the world – particularly in developing countries. Yet the need to improve the environmental performance of the livestock sector will continue as the UN FAO estimates that demand for livestock products will further intensify over the decades to come.
The global feed industry has a longstanding commitment to improve feed efficiency by reducing the feed conversion rates for all major livestock and farmed fish species. The industry continues to develop better animal nutrition to avoid carbon or nitrogen losses into the atmosphere or water, through better use of forages, feed additives and diversifying protein sources such as canola meal and sunflower meal in feed rations, or legumes in pastures for ruminants. Crucially, the feed industry also gives value to the rising volume of food industry coproducts, further increasing the sustainability of livestock production.
To support sustainability efforts at international level, IFIF is a founding member of the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI), which will use the FAO supported LEAP methodology to develop a golden global standard for assessing and benchmarking feed industry impact and improvement in LCA calculation at regional level, in order to support the reduction of the environmental footprint of livestock products.
IFIF has also together with the EU Association of Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures (FEFANA) and a consortium of international companies and associations, launched the Specialty Feed Ingredients Sustainability Project (SFIS), which measured and established the positive role of specialty feed ingredients (SFIs) on the environmental impact of livestock production.
Moreover, IFIF provides expert input to multi-stakeholder FAO-led sustainability initiatives, including the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock and the Partnership on Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP).
Alexandra de Athayde, IFIF executive director, explains “through innovation and efficiency, animal feed has proven to be an essential part of the solution to make the livestock production chain more sustainable and reduce GHG emissions.”
de Athayde added: “given the diversity of livestock production systems around the world, it is important to find solutions that work locally, while ensuring food safety and quality from farm to fork. IFIF will continue to champion science-based decisions, the need for continued innovation and better technologies, as well as regulatory convergence and free and fair trade as a basis for sustainable production in the future.”
Showing posts with label Greenhouse gas emissions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greenhouse gas emissions. Show all posts
Friday, December 11, 2015
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Cow-calf stage significant contributor of greenhouse gases
The cow-calf stage is the most significant contributor of greenhouse gases during beef production, according to a paper for the Journal of Animal Science which showed that overall beef production has a carbon footprint ranging from 10.7 kg to 22.6 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per kg of hot carcass weight.
In the cow-calf phase, the cow gives birth and nurses the calf until the calf is six to 10 months old. During this time, the cow eats rough plants like hay and grasses. The methane-producing bacteria in the cow's gut thrive on these plants. "The more roughage is in the diet of the ruminant animal, the more methane is produced by the microbes in the gut of the ruminant, and methane comes out the front end," said study co-author Frank Mitloehner, an associate professor in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis. In feedlots, by contrast, cattle eat mostly corn and grains, which the methane-producing bacteria cannot use as effectively.
Greenhous gas emissions are something the beef industry has been paying close attention to in recent years. "We are doing a lot to measure and mitigate our impact," said Chase Adams, director of communications for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. In a 2011 paper for the Journal of Animal Science, researcher Jude Capper showed that the beef industry today uses significantly less water and land than 30 years ago. The industry has also reduced its carbon footprint by 16.3 percent per billion kilograms of beef produced.
According to Mitloehner, beef producers can further reduce their carbon impact by using new technologies like growth promotants. However, consumers are often uncomfortable with these methods, and they choose organic beef or beef with reduced amounts of growth promotants. "The technologies many consumers are critical of are those that help us receive the greatest environmental gains," said Mitloehner.
In the cow-calf phase, the cow gives birth and nurses the calf until the calf is six to 10 months old. During this time, the cow eats rough plants like hay and grasses. The methane-producing bacteria in the cow's gut thrive on these plants. "The more roughage is in the diet of the ruminant animal, the more methane is produced by the microbes in the gut of the ruminant, and methane comes out the front end," said study co-author Frank Mitloehner, an associate professor in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis. In feedlots, by contrast, cattle eat mostly corn and grains, which the methane-producing bacteria cannot use as effectively.
Greenhous gas emissions are something the beef industry has been paying close attention to in recent years. "We are doing a lot to measure and mitigate our impact," said Chase Adams, director of communications for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. In a 2011 paper for the Journal of Animal Science, researcher Jude Capper showed that the beef industry today uses significantly less water and land than 30 years ago. The industry has also reduced its carbon footprint by 16.3 percent per billion kilograms of beef produced.
According to Mitloehner, beef producers can further reduce their carbon impact by using new technologies like growth promotants. However, consumers are often uncomfortable with these methods, and they choose organic beef or beef with reduced amounts of growth promotants. "The technologies many consumers are critical of are those that help us receive the greatest environmental gains," said Mitloehner.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wine dregs boost cow milk production, cut methane emissions
Adding the stems, seeds and skins from wine grapes to a dairy cow's feed boosts milk production by 5% and cuts methane emissions by 20%, according to research conducted by Australian scientists.
"We've managed to utilize what is currently a waste product for the wine industry and turn it into a very valuable feed source," said scientist Peter Moate. The data also showed an increase in healthy fatty acids in the milk, six times higher than with standard autumn feed. "These particular fatty acids are extremely potent in their ability to benefit heart health and are also known to help fight cancer, diabetes and arthritis," said Moate.
The research is part of a wider program looking at the use of feed supplements to reduce methane emissions. Other possibilities have included brewers' grains and cold-pressed canola meal.
"We've managed to utilize what is currently a waste product for the wine industry and turn it into a very valuable feed source," said scientist Peter Moate. The data also showed an increase in healthy fatty acids in the milk, six times higher than with standard autumn feed. "These particular fatty acids are extremely potent in their ability to benefit heart health and are also known to help fight cancer, diabetes and arthritis," said Moate.
The research is part of a wider program looking at the use of feed supplements to reduce methane emissions. Other possibilities have included brewers' grains and cold-pressed canola meal.
Monday, January 10, 2011
USDA to engage climate change issues
The Farm Service Agency will provide information to landowners on tree planting and conservation practices. Grants have been awarded to seven states to investigate the economics of reducing agriculture green house gas emissions.
The USDA will fund studies to examine projects to reduce emissions and exploit the potential market for green house gases. Secretary Vilsack reiterated the commitment of the USDA to the Global Research Alliance on Agriculture on Green House Gases launched at the Copenhagen Climate Change Meeting.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Survey finds UK pig farmers reducing GHG emissions
Pig farmers came out top in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from their farm, with 63% saying they were taking action, according to a Farming Futures survey. Farming Futures, an industry-led project which helps farmers respond to climate change—found that one in four farmers have noticed increased interest from customers in their environmental performance over the past year.
Pig producers also came out second in terms of taking action to adapt to climate change with 45% saying they were doing something. They came out slightly higher than average in terms of noticing increased interest about the environmental performance from customers (28%) and 50% were confident that achieving an 11% cut in GHG emissions from their farm was possible.
Approximately 53% of those surveyed recognise that addressing climate change offers potential business opportunities – a significant rise on last year – and the number of farmers producing their own energy has doubled. Almost half are taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their land (48%), and one in three (31%) farmers are doing something to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Other key findings from the survey are:
• 42% think that investments in climate change action will pay off within 10 years.
• 74% think that producers should work more closely with processors and retailers to combat climate change.
• 82% think that farmers should work together and share ideas more to combat climate change, which could include setting up buying/sharing cooperatives, or ‘knowledge’ cooperatives.
• 88% said that rising input prices were making them more efficient with their resources, an increase on last year.
• Farmers are increasingly interested in measuring their farm’s carbon footprint – 36% compared to 31% last year.
Madeleine Lewis, Farming Futures Strategic Advisor says: “Like every sector of the economy, farming has its role to play in the shift to a low carbon economy, but the good news is that a lot of the things farmers can do are good for their bottom line too. And it’s not all about big investments – as we can see from the survey results, almost half of farmers are improving the energy efficiency on their farm – these smaller actions are just as important.”
Pig producers also came out second in terms of taking action to adapt to climate change with 45% saying they were doing something. They came out slightly higher than average in terms of noticing increased interest about the environmental performance from customers (28%) and 50% were confident that achieving an 11% cut in GHG emissions from their farm was possible.
Approximately 53% of those surveyed recognise that addressing climate change offers potential business opportunities – a significant rise on last year – and the number of farmers producing their own energy has doubled. Almost half are taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their land (48%), and one in three (31%) farmers are doing something to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Other key findings from the survey are:
• 42% think that investments in climate change action will pay off within 10 years.
• 74% think that producers should work more closely with processors and retailers to combat climate change.
• 82% think that farmers should work together and share ideas more to combat climate change, which could include setting up buying/sharing cooperatives, or ‘knowledge’ cooperatives.
• 88% said that rising input prices were making them more efficient with their resources, an increase on last year.
• Farmers are increasingly interested in measuring their farm’s carbon footprint – 36% compared to 31% last year.
Madeleine Lewis, Farming Futures Strategic Advisor says: “Like every sector of the economy, farming has its role to play in the shift to a low carbon economy, but the good news is that a lot of the things farmers can do are good for their bottom line too. And it’s not all about big investments – as we can see from the survey results, almost half of farmers are improving the energy efficiency on their farm – these smaller actions are just as important.”
Friday, April 23, 2010
Warm welcome for dairy emissions report
Directors of the International Dairy Federation have welcomed a new report from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations called Greenhouse Gas Emissions From the Dairy Sector. Whereas previous commentaries usually marked milking herds as contributing substantially to emissions of gases linked to global warming, the FAO’s report contends that the environmental impact of the dairy sector accounts for 2.7% of total output, even including all emissions related to processing and transport as well as milk production.
Richard Doyle, president of the International Dairy Federation, also noted that the FAO findings indicated significant variations among the different regions and climate patterns of the world.
“This study is a fundamental part of the process of understanding and continually minimizing the environmental impacts of the dairy sector,” he said. “The global dairy sector and its partners are implementing a global agenda for action in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain. Our sector is responsibly focused on providing consumers with the nutritious dairy products they want, in a way that is economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible.”
Richard Doyle, president of the International Dairy Federation, also noted that the FAO findings indicated significant variations among the different regions and climate patterns of the world.
“This study is a fundamental part of the process of understanding and continually minimizing the environmental impacts of the dairy sector,” he said. “The global dairy sector and its partners are implementing a global agenda for action in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain. Our sector is responsibly focused on providing consumers with the nutritious dairy products they want, in a way that is economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible.”
Monday, February 22, 2010
Texas challenges EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases
Texas is challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott will lead the legal challenge, which focuses on the process that triggered Clean Air Act regulation.
Last December, EPA ruled that greenhouse gases were harmful to the environment. The state argues that the EPA failed to perform the precise study required, and instead relied on flawed theories.
“EPA’s move to regulate greenhouse gases would impose devastating rules on those Texans who fuel one of our state’s largest economic sectors – farmers and ranchers,“ said Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. “As a regulatory agency, the Texas Department of Agriculture is required to impose rules based on sound science – not political science. … EPA has ignored extensive research on greenhouse gas emissions and based this significant regulation on faulty data.”
Last December, EPA ruled that greenhouse gases were harmful to the environment. The state argues that the EPA failed to perform the precise study required, and instead relied on flawed theories.
“EPA’s move to regulate greenhouse gases would impose devastating rules on those Texans who fuel one of our state’s largest economic sectors – farmers and ranchers,“ said Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. “As a regulatory agency, the Texas Department of Agriculture is required to impose rules based on sound science – not political science. … EPA has ignored extensive research on greenhouse gas emissions and based this significant regulation on faulty data.”
Thursday, November 19, 2009
UEP comments on EPA greenhouse gas rule
Dr. Tom Hebert, environmental consultant to the United Egg Producers (UEP), recently reported on the status of the EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule.
Reports are scheduled for 2011, but in the case of livestock and poultry operations, only methane or nitrous oxide releases musts be declared. According to calculations performed by Hebert, the 723,600 hen limit is academic since there is no complex in the U.S. which could conceivably exceed the 25,000 metric ton reporting threshold (dry manure).
UEP is currently in communication with EPA to develop a detailed table converting methane and nitrous oxide into carbon dioxide equivalents that form the basis of the 25,000 metric ton greenhouse gas limit. Calculations may have to be developed for large operations using anaerobic lagoons to ensure they conform.
Hebert also commented on the Clean Water Act and the new CWA enforcement plan. According to Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, “where facilities with large numbers of animals are discharging without a permit or in violation of their permits, they can cause significant pollution problems of concern to communities.”
According to Herbert, CAFOs must register and should be in compliance with respect to storage and spreading of manure.
Reports are scheduled for 2011, but in the case of livestock and poultry operations, only methane or nitrous oxide releases musts be declared. According to calculations performed by Hebert, the 723,600 hen limit is academic since there is no complex in the U.S. which could conceivably exceed the 25,000 metric ton reporting threshold (dry manure).
UEP is currently in communication with EPA to develop a detailed table converting methane and nitrous oxide into carbon dioxide equivalents that form the basis of the 25,000 metric ton greenhouse gas limit. Calculations may have to be developed for large operations using anaerobic lagoons to ensure they conform.
Hebert also commented on the Clean Water Act and the new CWA enforcement plan. According to Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, “where facilities with large numbers of animals are discharging without a permit or in violation of their permits, they can cause significant pollution problems of concern to communities.”
According to Herbert, CAFOs must register and should be in compliance with respect to storage and spreading of manure.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Dairy officials pledge to reduce emission levels
Representatives of the world’s dairy industries are set to sign a global declaration on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from milk production and processing, which includes an aim to achieve reductions from changes to feed manufacture and cow feeding techniques.
The International Dairy Federation says the declaration, presented to the World Dairy Summit being held in Berlin, Germany, is called a Global Dairy Agenda for Action.
Signed by seven organisations on behalf of dairy associations and companies worldwide, it takes the form of an industry pledge to reduce carbon emissions against global warming. The declaration also seeks the support of policy makers to provide a supportive regulatory policy environment that recognises the important economic, social and environmental contributions of the dairy industry.
“This Agenda for Action represents an unprecedented level of cooperation across national borders and along the dairy supply chain. The global dairy community and its partners have pooled resources, knowledge and projects to achieve a more sustainable future,” said Povl Krogsgaard, deputy managing director, Arla Foods, on behalf of Global Dairy Platform.
“From production of feed for dairy cows, to processing, packaging and distribution of milk, many elements contribute to the dairy industry’s commitment to reducing Greenhouse Gases (GHG),” said Richard Doyle, president of the International Dairy Federation.
“It makes good sense to reduce GHG emissions - it saves money and improves efficiency in production. This initiative encourages and shares new and innovative technologies and practices for including energy efficiencies on our farms, by food manufacturers and in our warehouses.”
To facilitate the industry’s efforts to reduce GHG and promote the long-term sustainable supply of milk and dairy products, the Global Dairy Agenda for Action is a five point commitment to:
*Promote the development of a standard methodology framework for assessing the carbon footprint of milk and dairy products based on robust science
*Promote adoption of world’s best practices within the global dairy sector and actions that:lead to the reduction of global GHG from dairy production on a per unit of production basis, promote the use of technologies and methods that improve the processing and distribution efficiency of dairy products, optimise economic, environmental and social outcomes for global dairy stakeholders, recognise different levels of development and local conditions, build on existing frameworks and knowledge, including for scientific advancement and technology transfer, promote decision making based on robust science, and complement initiatives in other areas of sustainability.
*Advance the establishment of tools to facilitate measurement and monitoring of emissions both on-farm and in dairy manufacturing
*Promote improved farmer understanding of agricultural emissions and opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on farm
*Support sharing information and aligning research efforts to develop cost effective mitigation technologies for both on-farm and manufacturing applications
The declaration is being signed by Eastern and Southern African Dairy Association, European Dairy Association, Pan-American Dairy Federation, Global Dairy Platform, International Dairy Federation, International Federation of Agriculture Producers and Sustainable Agricultural Initiative Platform.
The International Dairy Federation says the declaration, presented to the World Dairy Summit being held in Berlin, Germany, is called a Global Dairy Agenda for Action.
Signed by seven organisations on behalf of dairy associations and companies worldwide, it takes the form of an industry pledge to reduce carbon emissions against global warming. The declaration also seeks the support of policy makers to provide a supportive regulatory policy environment that recognises the important economic, social and environmental contributions of the dairy industry.
“This Agenda for Action represents an unprecedented level of cooperation across national borders and along the dairy supply chain. The global dairy community and its partners have pooled resources, knowledge and projects to achieve a more sustainable future,” said Povl Krogsgaard, deputy managing director, Arla Foods, on behalf of Global Dairy Platform.
“From production of feed for dairy cows, to processing, packaging and distribution of milk, many elements contribute to the dairy industry’s commitment to reducing Greenhouse Gases (GHG),” said Richard Doyle, president of the International Dairy Federation.
“It makes good sense to reduce GHG emissions - it saves money and improves efficiency in production. This initiative encourages and shares new and innovative technologies and practices for including energy efficiencies on our farms, by food manufacturers and in our warehouses.”
To facilitate the industry’s efforts to reduce GHG and promote the long-term sustainable supply of milk and dairy products, the Global Dairy Agenda for Action is a five point commitment to:
*Promote the development of a standard methodology framework for assessing the carbon footprint of milk and dairy products based on robust science
*Promote adoption of world’s best practices within the global dairy sector and actions that:lead to the reduction of global GHG from dairy production on a per unit of production basis, promote the use of technologies and methods that improve the processing and distribution efficiency of dairy products, optimise economic, environmental and social outcomes for global dairy stakeholders, recognise different levels of development and local conditions, build on existing frameworks and knowledge, including for scientific advancement and technology transfer, promote decision making based on robust science, and complement initiatives in other areas of sustainability.
*Advance the establishment of tools to facilitate measurement and monitoring of emissions both on-farm and in dairy manufacturing
*Promote improved farmer understanding of agricultural emissions and opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on farm
*Support sharing information and aligning research efforts to develop cost effective mitigation technologies for both on-farm and manufacturing applications
The declaration is being signed by Eastern and Southern African Dairy Association, European Dairy Association, Pan-American Dairy Federation, Global Dairy Platform, International Dairy Federation, International Federation of Agriculture Producers and Sustainable Agricultural Initiative Platform.
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