We know that ruminants like cows and sheep produce methane during digestion, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. These methane emissions present one of agriculture’s greatest challenges and opportunities.
Science has enabled humanity to make huge strides in health, nutrition, food production and technology, and it will also offer solutions that can help farmers to reduce their emissions without compromising productivity.
But to move forward effectively, we need to trust the rigorous scientific process behind these technologies, while addressing valid concerns with transparency and openness.
Feed additives, such as Bovaer, are among the most promising tools for reducing methane emissions. Bovaer is already approved in more than 60 countries. It has been shown to cut emissions by an average of 30 per cent in dairy cows and 45 per cent in beef cattle.
Decades of research, including more than 150 studies, have demonstrated that it is metabolised fully in the cow’s digestive system, leaving no residue in milk or meat. While this evidence is robust, more independent, peer-reviewed studies would likely strengthen public confidence in these findings.
In New Zealand, the EPA has given an initial approval for the active ingredient, but the Ministry for Primary Industries has not received an application for registration of Bovaer and it is not authorised for use under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act.
Misconceptions about food safety, such as those seen over the UK Bovaer trial, highlight the need for greater transparency. Clear communication about safety, benefits, and the rigorous testing process can help dispel fears about synthetic additives.
Another emerging solution is a methane vaccine, which aims to suppress methane-producing microbes in the livestock rumen (stomach). This builds on research done over the years by AgResearch scientists.
A vaccine like this could reduce emissions by at least 20 per cent without requiring changes to farming systems.
Complementing these are breeding programmes to select low methane livestock and innovative pasture which have shown emission reductions.
Better animal health and management practices also play a critical role. Healthier animals are more efficient, producing more with fewer resources and emitting less methane per kilogram of milk or meat.
Critics argue that these new technologies risk undermining New Zealand’s clean, green reputation by introducing synthetic additives into grass-fed systems. Others question whether methane vaccines or boluses will be treated differently by consumers than feed additives like Bovaer.
These concerns may be valid, but it is essential to weigh them against the benefits of tackling methane emissions. In global markets, sustainability is becoming a non-negotiable expectation.
Banks, meat processors, and dairy companies are increasingly requiring farmers to cut emissions from their entire supply chain — everything from livestock farming to transportation and processing. Adopting new technologies may become essential for maintaining market access.
The path forward must respect both farmer and consumer perspectives. Farmers should not be coerced into adopting technologies without choice, and consumer trust must be earned through clear, science-backed evidence and messaging.
This means emphasising the safety of these tools, explaining their benefits for climate action, and ensuring regulatory rigour.
For example, New Zealand’s Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group assesses all methane-reduction technologies to ensure they are safe, effective, and environmentally sustainable.
This process mirrors efforts in the EU and USA, where strict regulatory frameworks protect both farmers and consumers.
No single solution will fit every farm system, and that’s where the strength of these innovations lies. A mix of strategies — methane inhibitors, vaccines, alternative pasture, improved animal health, better grazing practices, and low-methane breeding — can work together to achieve meaningful reductions.
This flexibility allows farmers to tailor solutions to their specific needs, whether in intensive dairy operations or extensive sheep grazing systems.
Methane reduction technologies are not just tools for compliance or appeasement — they are vital for the future of agriculture in a world where sustainability is paramount.
By combining scientific innovation with transparency and collaboration, we can address consumer concerns, empower farmers, and ensure agriculture continues to thrive.
Farmers, regulators, scientists, and consumers must work together to embrace these solutions and build a sustainable future for both farming and the planet.
**This article was originally published in Stuff newspapers**
**Note: AgResearch has previously worked with DSM, the company that developed and markets Bovaer**
