Danone’s collaboration coincides with the gathering of policy, science, and business leaders in Dubai for the United Nations COP28 conference this week, where discussions will focus on dairy’s contribution to global emissions. According to data from the IPCC cited by the yogurt company, dairy livestock production is responsible for 8% of human-induced methane emissions worldwide. As part of this partnership, a pilot project in Morocco will involve 1,000 farmers. These producers will utilize a tool designed to enhance cattle diets by identifying locally available feed options that can reduce emissions and improve productivity. Danone notes that this initiative may also explore the incorporation of calcium citrate salt in cattle feed to optimize nutrient absorption.
“Our partnership with the Global Methane Hub marks a significant step toward creating, testing, and implementing effective solutions for methane reduction,” stated Antoine de Saint-Affrique, Danone’s CEO, in a press release. “This will enable the continued enjoyment of yogurt while ensuring a sustainable future for many rural communities.” Danone’s investment follows its previous endeavors in reducing greenhouse gases. In 2022, the company led a $7 million funding round for startup Symbrosia, which claims its seaweed-based feed additive can decrease methane emissions from cow burps by 80%.
Numerous companies in the meat and dairy sectors are leveraging partnerships and investments to mitigate methane emissions from cattle, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. For instance, ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s initiated a pilot program on 15 of its dairy farms in 2022, aiming to cut the farms’ greenhouse gas emissions by 2024, with a focus on using seaweed-based additives. Additionally, earlier this year, agriculture giant Cargill introduced a new methodology for farmers to measure emissions reductions, assessing the impact of various feed additives, potentially including calcium citrate salt, on livestock.