Methane Inhibitors Recognised as Key to Cut Livestock Emissions in report to Norwegian Government
The Norwegian government has set a target to phase in methane-reducing feeds starting in 2027, with its 2025 climate plan anticipating 70% uptake among dairy cows by that time. A report published on 31 October 2024 by a working group led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food examined how incentives for these feeds, along with other climate measures, could be integrated into the livestock subsidy framework. Commissioned as part of Norway’s 2023 agricultural settlement, the report highlights a growing commitment to transforming livestock subsidies from purely financial support for animal farming into a key driver of climate action.
The working group, made up of representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Food, Climate and the Environment, and Finance, along with the Norwegian Farmers' Association and the Norwegian Farmers' and Small Farmers' Association, explored how subsidies could evolve to support three primary measures: methane-inhibiting feeds, climate advisory services, and improved forage quality. The report emphasizes the need for further knowledge on the application and effectiveness of methane-reducing feeds under Norwegian conditions. This aligns with ongoing efforts under the government-funded MetanHUB Initiative (2023–2027), where various methane inhibitors are being trialed to assess their potential to curb emissions from livestock on Norwegian farms.
Norway’s Focus on Additives
By 2027, methane-inhibiting additives are set to become the industry standard in Norway, with the goal of reaching 70% of dairy cows and heifers by then, and ramping up to 90% by 2035 (Climate and Environment Ministry, 2024). This plan signals a serious commitment to tackling agriculture’s biggest climate challenge – enteric methane.
Why focus on additives?
Enteric methane, the methane released from ruminant digestion, accounts for 77% of the emissions directly tied to livestock in Norway, making it a prime target for climate action. In partnership with the government, the Norges Bondelag (Norwegian Farmers' Association) and Norsk Bonde- og Småbrukarlag (Norwegian Association of Farmers and Smallholders) have pledged to cut 5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents from agriculture by 2030. Rather than reducing livestock numbers, Norway’s strategy prioritizes innovative feeding and breeding solutions to reduce emissions. Half of the reduction mandated under the agricultural agreement is expected to be achieved from feeding and breeding strategies for livestock.
The Necessity of Government Support
The report makes it clear: to make methane inhibitors a reality across Norwegian dairy farms, government support is key. Implementing methane inhibitors in Norway is estimated to cost around 20 øre (€0.017) per liter of milk, or roughly NOK 6 (€0.5) per cow per day, covering the cost of the additive, mixing, and transport. While it’s possible to pass this cost to consumers, it’s unlikely this would drive enough demand to reach the government’s target of 70% adoption by 2027. Simply put, customers aren’t always eager to fund climate measures at checkout.
The Norwegian government understands that bold action is needed to bring this high-potential emissions solution to scale. To turn methane inhibitors into the norm of sustainable farming, they’re prepared to offer financial backing to cut emissions, while giving companies the confidence to invest in and refine these technologies.
The report dives into potential subsidies and incentives to make this happen, exploring three main options for supporting farms that adopt additives:
Conditions: Farms would lose their livestock allowance if they don’t meet the requirement to use methane inhibitors.
Reduction: The livestock grant would be partially reduced for farms that don’t adopt the additive.
Separate Grant: A dedicated grant would be provided to farms that meet the methane inhibitor requirements.
Of these options, the report recommends the separate grant option for methane inhibitors. This approach is seen as the most practical way to break through current adoption barriers and enable companies to innovate and scale the technology for widespread use.
Next steps for Norway
This report sets the groundwork for integrating methane inhibitors into Norway’s livestock subsidies. It outlines promising subsidy mechanisms but also raises important questions that need resolution before full implementation. The report is apolitical, but decisive action from policymakers will be required to set a clear direction forward.
The immediate next step is the 2025 agricultural settlement, where a decision will be made regarding the introduction of requirements or subsidies for methane inhibitors, along with a timeline for rollout. Following this decision, new regulations are expected to be crafted, supported by an IT system to streamline and manage the subsidy process.
By recognizing the potential of methane-reducing additives and proposing practical financial incentives, Norway is setting a path toward achieving ambitious agricultural climate goals. This approach could serve as an inspiring model for climate-focused farming policies across Europe.
About Volta Greentech
Volta Greentech’s mission is to battle global warming, using feed additives. At Volta Greentech, we develop methane-reducing feed additives for cows, along with supportive solutions. Volta Greentech is a trusted partner for implementing methane-reducing feed additives effectively. We develop and manage comprehensive systems for tracking and reporting, providing a measurable and cost-effective solution for emission reduction using Lome®, Bovaer® or Seaweed. We work hand in hand with our partners to accelerate sustainability.
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