Sweden explores feed supplements to reduce methane emissions from dairy farms

Agriculture is responsible for a significant portion of Sweden’s methane emissions, primarily due to the digestion processes in livestock. At Fröstorps farm in Herrljunga, 600 dairy cows are now being fed a supplement designed to alter an enzyme in their stomachs. Farmer Emil Karlsson expresses a desire to help reduce emissions of this climate-impacting gas.

A 2023 report from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency outlines feed supplements as one of the few viable options to mitigate methane emissions from livestock. Research has shown that methane emissions from dairy cows can be reduced by approximately 30 percent. Fröstorps farm is involved in a project with a Swedish food company, which has made the implementation of this initiative feasible through funding. Karlsson notes the challenges in agricultural profitability, emphasizing that billions of kronor are needed for a green transition within the sector.

The government is focused on ensuring competitiveness and profitability in agriculture. Rural Affairs Minister Peter Kullgren believes in the potential of feed supplements but opposes state subsidies for them. He highlights that the priority is to enhance competitiveness and profitability, stating that the government is allocating an additional 746 million kronor in agricultural support.

Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari acknowledges the importance of agricultural viability but is unafraid to apply pressure on farmers to adapt. She points out the challenges of ensuring that domestic farmers remain viable while avoiding reliance on imported meat, which could undermine the intended environmental goals.