Canadian Innovators Lead in Reducing Agricultural Methane

13 semi-finalists tackle methane reduction in cattle

The progress of 13 semi-finalists in the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge were recently highlighted by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, recently highlighted.  

Innovations include feed additives, animal management systems, and grazing approaches. Each semi-finalist has received $153,846 to develop prototypes with potential future funding of up to $230,000.  

This initiative, launched in November 2023, offers a $12-million fund to foster solutions that reduce methane emissions from cattle, a significant source of greenhouse gases. 

The semi-finalists bring a variety of solutions across different aspects of cattle farming: 

• Feed Additives: Innovations include linseed-based feed strategies from Agropur in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, and additives from Ample Agriculture in Toronto that alter microbial activity in the rumen. 

• Genetic Approaches: Strategies like those from Semex in Guelph, Ontario, focus on breeding cattle that naturally produce less methane. 

• Technological Solutions: Technologies being developed range from artificial intelligence tools by Mon Système Fourrager in Montreal for fodder production to novel biofilters by Université Laval that convert methane into water and carbon dioxide. 

The innovators cover various sectors within agriculture: 

• Agropur, Saint-Hubert, Quebec - Developing scalable feed strategies. 

• Ample Agriculture, Toronto - Creating additives that reduce microbial methane production. 

• Pond Technologies, Markham, Ontario - Innovating feed additives for methane reduction and increased production. 

• AbacusBio, Edmonton - Developing tools to select low-methane-emitting cattle. 

• Semex, Guelph, Ontario - Implementing breeding strategies for reduced methane emissions. 

• University of Saskatchewan - Researching genetic traits for enhanced fiber digestion and reduced methane. 

• Mon Système Fourrager, Montreal - Utilizing AI to optimize fodder production. 

• Sustainable Bio Security Inc., Waterdown, Ontario - Using ozone for health improvements and methane reduction. 

• TerraWave Radar Solutions Inc., Grande Pointe, Manitoba - Analyzing soil for sustainable grazing practices. 

• Université Laval, Quebec City - Developing a methane-consuming biofilter. 

• WaterPuris, Vaughan, Ontario - Working on nanobubbles and sensors to reduce emissions. 

• ArkeaBio, Calgary - Creating a vaccine against methane-producing bacteria in digestion. 

• University of Saskatchewan - Developing additives for drinking water to reduce emissions in grazing systems. 

Minister MacAulay praised the semi-finalists, stating, "The Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge is bringing together innovators from right across the country who have new ideas about how to reduce agricultural methane emissions. I would like to congratulate all of the semi-finalists and wish them luck as they compete in the next phase of the Challenge.” 

This initiative is part of Canada's broader commitment to reducing methane emissions and promoting sustainable practices within the agriculture sector, aligning with global environmental goals and fostering a sustainable future.