In a significant move towards sustainable agriculture, CH4 Global has announced an expansion of its methane-reducing cattle feed supplements across the Asia-Pacific region, partnering with Mitsubishi Corporation. This strategic alliance aims to bolster the sales of CH4’s Methane Tamer product, particularly in Australia, while also paving the way for future developments in Japan. The Methane Tamer leverages Asparagopsis seaweed, a key ingredient that has shown the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions from cattle by up to 90%. This partnership not only highlights the growing focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the livestock sector but also aligns with CH4’s ambitious goal of achieving gigaton-scale emissions reductions by 2035. Steve Meller, co-founder and CEO of CH4, emphasized the importance of Mitsubishi’s extensive experience in agricultural products and services, which positions them as an ideal partner in this endeavor.
Meanwhile, Deere & Co. is making strides in agricultural technology by collaborating with six innovative startups in its annual startup collaborator program. This initiative, which began in 2019, aims to explore cutting-edge technologies that could enhance farming practices. Among the selected startups, Landscan stands out for its digital twin technology that optimizes land management using soil and remote sensing signals. Other participants include Array Labs, which specializes in 3D imaging of the Earth’s surface, and AI-focused companies like Presien and ReSim, which are working on improving safety and productivity through advanced technologies. Colton Salyards from John Deere highlighted the unique contributions of each startup, suggesting that their collaboration could lead to groundbreaking solutions for real challenges in agriculture.
In a notable development in carbon management, Google has committed to purchasing 200,000 tons of biochar carbon removal credits over the next five years, partnering with Varaha and Charm. This agreement marks one of the largest biochar carbon removal deals to date, reflecting Google’s strategy to support its net-zero emissions goal. Biochar, produced from the decomposition of organic waste in an oxygen-deprived environment, can enhance soil quality while sequestering carbon dioxide. This initiative not only underscores the tech giant’s commitment to climate action but also aims to stimulate biochar production at scale, as companies increasingly seek effective methods to mitigate climate change.
On the regulatory front, a recent survey conducted by Leaps, Bayer AG’s impact investing arm, reveals that a majority of people globally support the use of new genomic techniques (NGTs) in agriculture, particularly for developing climate-resilient crops. The survey found that 56% of respondents favor the application of these breeding techniques, despite the stringent restrictions on NGTs in the European Union. Interestingly, while 47% of European respondents expressed a positive view, the data suggests a growing acceptance of gene-editing technologies as a means to enhance food security in the face of climate challenges. This shift in public perception could have significant implications for agricultural policy and innovation, particularly in regions grappling with the impacts of climate change.
