New methane emission reduction challenge launched by federal government

SAINTE-CLOTILDE DE CHÂTEAUGUAY, QC – A new initiative has been unveiled in Canada, aimed at reducing methane emissions.

On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, Francis Drouin, announced the new Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge. Through the initiative, up to $12 million will be awarded to innovators who are advancing low-cost and scalable practices, processes, and technologies designed to reduce methane emissions produced by cattle.

The challenge builds on the successes of existing industry commitments on the environment. Officials said livestock producers and industry groups are setting voluntary targets and goals to reduce emissions and their commitments are seeing results. As an example, the Canadian Beef Advisors has a 2030 goal of reducing emission intensity from primary beef production by 33 per cent. The Dairy Farmers of Canada, meanwhile, have set a goal to reach net-zero by 2050.

Drouin stated, “At the forefront of agricultural sustainability, our cattle industry in Canada are setting global benchmarks.”