Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. and dsm-firmenich have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance dairy sustainability in Japan using a methane-reducing feed additive. This partnership marks the first such agreement in Asia.

Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. ("Meiji HD"), a leading Japanese dairy company, and dsm-firmenich, innovators in health, nutrition, and beauty, have joined forces to improve the sustainability of Japanese dairy farming through the implementation of a methane-reducing feed additive named Bovaer®. According to the company, the product has been proven to lower methane emissions from livestock by approximately 30% for dairy cattle and 45% for beef feedlot cattle.

With Japan's commitment to the Global Methane Pledge, which aims for a 30% reduction in absolute methane emissions by 2030, this initiative is timely. Agriculture accounts for over 80% of Japan's methane emissions, primarily from rice paddies and cattle. By addressing emissions from more than 1 million dairy cows and over 3 million beef cattle, the feed additive offers a crucial tool for achieving these environmental targets.

Mark van Nieuwland

“We are excited to expand the use of Bovaer® into Asia. I’m looking forward to working with Meiji HD to explore how to implement Bovaer® in the Japanese dairy sector and particularly in the Meiji HD supply chain. Preparation works will start now, while we await local market authorization,” said Mark van Nieuwland, Vice President Bovaer® at dsm-firmenich.

Currently available in 58 countries, including the EU, UK, Canada, and Australia, this feed additive is pending registration in Japan. This collaboration signifies a major step towards sustainable dairy farming practices in the region.