The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) is proud to be part of a collaborative project to facilitate the adoption and ongoing development of low emissions feed technologies (asparagopsis seaweed) in Tasmania.
With a total project cost of $8.347 million, this initiative reflects a concerted effort to foster innovation and partnership between government and industry. Partners include TIA, TasFarmers, Fonterra, Annandale Dairy Farm, Sea Forest and Tasmanian feedlot AEON. The Tasmanian Government contributed $4 million towards the project.
TasFarmers President Ian Sauer said the peak body was taking a lead role in a collaborative effort with industry partners to address climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions as part of its strategic plan.
"This project is world-leading, as the Sea Forest Asparagopsis initiative holds international significance in its efforts to go from concept to commercialisation, positioning Tasmania as a leader in agricultural innovation," Mr Sauer said.
"By focusing on methane reduction in cattle, the project aims to make a tangible difference in combating climate change, contributing to Tasmania's reputation as a clean and green region.
"Tasmania is punching well above its weight by developing greenhouse-reducing technology and reducing emissions in the production of red meat."
TIA's Director Professor Mike Rose said TIA is committed to helping industry remain at the forefront by exploring sustainable and practical solutions to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"As part of this three-year project, we will conduct research trials at TIA’s Dairy Research Facility at Elliott. Our focus is on measuring the effectiveness of low emission feed technologies, establishing feeding guidelines for current and future formulations, and supporting industry adoption," Professor Rose said.
"We will also contribute scientific knowledge and expertise to the project team, supporting the commercial trials that are focussing on feed efficiency gains, animal productivity, health outcomes, reproductive performance, and product quality."
The project builds on previous TIA research that has focussed on testing new products and identifying a system for administering in extensive grazing systems. Future research will involve measuring methane in the field.
Fonterra, General Manager Sustainability Global Markets, Jack Holden said Fonterra is pleased to be part of this project, which will enable them to expand our Asparagopsis red seaweed trial beyond the first 1,000 dairy cows in the 2024/25 milk season.
“Tasmania’s pasture-based farming system makes it an ideal location to undertake this trial. We thank the Tasmanian Government for its commitment to climate action and for building the capability of the Tasmania agriculture sector to be a leader in this challenge," Mr Holden said.
“We also want to acknowledge the work undertaken by Richard Gardner and his family at Annandale. Annandale is the first commercial dairy farm to undertake a trial at scale, and without Richard’s commitment to improving dairy farming’s emissions footprint, we would not be here today to launch this next stage.
“Fonterra’s objective has always been to validate red seaweed as a safe, effective and commercially sensible climate solution. This Government support will now allow the industry to learn faster and enable all partners to go to scale with confidence.”
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