Dairy demonstrator: systemic testing of multiple carbon saving measures in practice

Defra is seeking to employ a mix of innovations to trial multiple greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation measures at the same time on commercial dairy farms to trial how much we can reduce emissions. Innovative proposals are encouraged and the inclusion of authorised/near-authorised methane suppressing feed products is of particular importance.

It is imperative we understand how individual measures can work in concert in real-life UK management systems. This project will provide that system-level assessment in earnest by trialling multiple mitigation measures at the same time. Secondary aims to help net zero commitments include:

• Verifying efficacy of measures specific to reducing UK cattle GHG emissions in real life systems to inform delivery mechanisms for policy.
• Trialling methane suppressing feed products on-farm to help inform an ambition to mandate these for suitable cattle systems (which could include dairy-beef).
• Trialling tests to monitor GHG emissions of individual livestock, possibly by proxy, to determine effective, rapid and affordable on-site testing.

The procurement documents area available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome

Any questions, requests to participate or tender submission must be submitted electronically via this portal.