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BARC developed high yielding non-GMO varieties using radiation-based mutation breeding techniques, to “revolutionize” agriculture across India

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, has introduced eight new high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties of wheat, rice and oilseeds, it said on Friday. Developed using radiation-based mutation breeding techniques, these non-GMO crop varieties are set to “revolutionize” agriculture across India, the BARC said in a statement here.

The new varieties — five cereals and three oilseeds — are tailored to diverse agricultural conditions and were launched in collaboration with state agricultural universities. Speaking at the launch, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the non-GMO crop varieties (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, highlighted BARC’s significant contribution in enhancing farmer incomes and boosting food and nutritional security.

Vivek Bhasin, Director, BARC, called these varieties a “boon for farmers” due to their early maturity, disease resistance, climate resilience, salt tolerance, and higher yields compared to existing options. India’s wheat production faces challenges from rising temperatures, especially during the grain-filling stage. For the first time, BARC has developed wheat varieties, he said. The Trombay Jodhpur Wheat-153 (TJW-153) was developed in collaboration with Jodhpur Agriculture University for Rajasthan. TJW-153 is heat-tolerant, ensuring stable yields despite early or terminal heat stress. It is resistant to fungal diseases like blast and powdery mildew, which significantly reduce yields, and is ideal for Rajasthan’s arid conditions, the BARC said.

Trombay Raj Vijay Wheat-155 (TRVW-155) was developed in collaboration with Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior, for Madhya Pradesh. It has enhanced zinc and iron content, better ‘chapati’-making quality, and resistance to fungal diseases such as blast and powdery mildew. Rice variety Bauna Luchai-CTLM was developed with IGKV, Raipur, for Chhattisgarh. Bauna Luchai is a dwarf, early-maturing variety with lodging resistance (doesn’t topple in rain or wind), retains the soft-cooked quality while achieving a 40 per cent higher yield than its parent Luchai landrace. The Sanjeevani rice variety launched by the BARC is derived from the Layacha rice landrace. Sanjeevani is rich in more than 350 phytochemicals known for therapeutic and medicinal properties, boosting immunity and antioxidant responses, the BARC said. Developed for Chhattisgarh in collaboration with IGKV, Raipur, it addresses the growing demand for health-enhancing rice varieties.

The Trombay Konkan Khara variety is designed for Maharashtra’s saline coastal soils. It achieves 15 per cent higher grain yield under saline conditions. Developed in collaboration with Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, it allows rice cultivation in previously non-arable brackish soils. The other new crop varieties launched by the BARC are Trombay Jodhpur Mustard-2 (TJM-2), Trombay Latur Til-10 (TLT-10) and Chhattisgarh Trombay Mungfali (CGTM) oilseeds.

BARC developed high yielding non-GMO varieties using

The benchmark measure of world food commodity prices ends 2023 about 10 per cent below its year-earlier level

The benchmark for world food commodity prices declined in December compared to the previous month, with the sharpest drop in international sugar quotations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported.
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally traded food commodities, averaged 118.5 points in December, down 1.5 per cent from November and down 10.1 per cent from December 2022.
For 2023 as a whole, the index was 13.7 per cent lower than the average value over the preceding year, with only the international sugar price index higher over the period.
The FAO Cereal Price Index increased 1.5 per cent from November, as wheat, maize, rice, and barley prices all rose, partly reflecting logistical disruptions that hindered shipments from major exporting countries. For the year as a whole, the index was 15.4 per cent below the 2022 average, reflecting well-supplied global markets, although FAO’s All Rice Price Index (part of the FAO Cereal Price Index) registered a 21 per cent increase, largely owing to concerns about the impact of El Niño on rice production and in the aftermath of export restrictions imposed by India.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index by contrast, declined by 1.4 per cent from November, reflecting subdued purchases of palm, soy, rapeseed, and sunflower seed oil, with soy oil in particular impacted by a slowdown in demand from the biodiesel sector as well as improving weather conditions in major growing areas of Brazil. For 2023 as a whole, this index was 32.7 per cent below the previous year’s level.
The FAO Sugar Price Index declined 16.6 per cent from November, hitting a nine-month low although still up 14. 9 per cent from December 2022. The plunge in sugar quotations was mainly driven by the strong pace of production in Brazil, along with the reduced use of sugarcane for ethanol production in India.
The FAO Meat Price Index dipped 1.0 per cent from November, reaching a level 1.8 per cent below that of December 2022, impacted by persistent weak import demand from Asia for pig meat. Regional buying interest also slowed for bovine and poultry meat despite ample exportable supplies in large producing regions. Ovine meat prices by contrast rose ahead of holidays.
Bucking the trend, the FAO Dairy Price Index increased by 1.6 per cent from November, although still standing 16.1 per cent below its December 2022 value. The monthly increase was led by higher price quotations for butter and cheese, underpinned by strong internal sales in Western Europe ahead of the holiday season. At the same time, strong global import demand led international whole milk powders to rise.

The benchmark measure of world food commodity

India imported 19.63 lakh tonnes of pulses during April-October this fiscal to meet domestic demand, the government said

During April-October this fiscal year, India exported 26.08 lakh tonnes of basmati rice and 73.18 lakh tonnes of non-basmati rice.

Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda provided the Lok Sabha with export statistics for the main food grains in a written response.

The data shows that for the full 2022–2023 fiscal year, 45.61 lakh tonnes of basmati rice were exported, compared to 177.92 lakh tonnes of non-basmati rice shipments.

In 2018–19, 44.15 lakh tons of basmati rice were exported; in 2019–20, 44.55 lakh tonnes; in 2020–21, 46.30 lakh tonnes; and in 2021–22, 39.44 lakh tonnes.

76.48 lakh tonnes of rice (apart from basmati) were exported in 2018–19; 50.56 lakh tonnes in 2019–20; 131.49 lakh tonnes in 2020–21; and 172.89 lakh tonnes in 2021–22, according to the data.

In 2022–2023 India produced 1,357.55 lakh tonnes of rice, compared to 1,294.71 lakh tonnes in the previous year.

India imported 19.63 lakh tonnes of pulses during April-October this fiscal to meet domestic demand, the government said.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda informed that pulses imports stood at 24.96 lakh tonnes during 2022-23, 27 lakh tonnes in 2021-22, 24.66 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, 28.98 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 and 25.28 lakh tonnes in 2018-19.

The production of pulses stood at 220.76 lakh tonnes in 2018-19, 230.25 lakh tonnes in 2019-20, 254.63 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, 273.02 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 and 260.58 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.

India imported 19.63 lakh tonnes of pulses

Global trade in cereals in 2023-24 is forecast at 469 million tonnes, a 1.6 per cent contraction from the preceding year

Global cereal production this year is forecast to reach a record 2.81 billion tonnes, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations’ latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief released on Nov. 3.

Of note was higher projected coarse grain production in China and most of West Africa and lower forecasts for the United States and the European Union. Wheat output forecasts were raised for Iraq and the United States and revised downward for the European Union and Kazakhstan. World rice production in 2023-24 is forecast to increase marginally year-on-year. The new revisions include an upgrade to India’s production, more than offsetting various other revisions, particularly a further downgrade of Indonesian production prospects.

World cereal utilisation in 2023-24 is forecast to reach 2.810 million tonnes, with the total utilisation of both wheat and coarse grains set to surpass 2022-23 levels while rice utilisation is expected to stagnate at the previous season’s level.

The world cereals stocks-to-use ratio for 2023-24 is forecast to stand at 30.7 per cent, “a comfortable supply situation from a historical perspective” and marginally above the previous year’s level of 30.5 per cent, according to the FAO.

Global trade in cereals in 2023-24 is forecast at 469 million tonnes, a 1.6 per cent contraction from the preceding year.

The FAO also noted in a separate report that persisting and intensifying conflicts are aggravating food insecurity, and moderating international food commodity prices are being countered by weak currencies in many low-income countries. A total of 46 countries around the world, including 33 in Africa, are assessed to need external assistance for food, according to the latest Crop Prospects and Food Situation report, a triannual publication by FAO’s Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS).

Global trade in cereals in 2023-24 is

As a part of Govt of India’s initiative for market intervention to control the retail price of rice, wheat and atta, weekly e-auctions of both wheat and rice are organised

A total of 1.89 LMT wheat and 0.05 LMT rice were sold to 2255 bidders during the 15th e-auction under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) (OMSS[D]). A quantity of 2.01 LMT wheat from 481 depots and 4.87 LMT rice from 264 depots were offered from across the country.

As a part of Govt of India’s initiative for market intervention to control the retail price of rice, wheat and atta, weekly e-auctions of both wheat and rice are organised. In the e-auction, 2447 empanelled buyers participated for both wheat and rice.

The weighted average selling price was Rs. 2185.05/qtl for FAQ wheat against the reserve price of Rs. 2150/qtl Pan India whereas the weighted average selling price of URS wheat was Rs. 2193.12/qtl against the reserve price of Rs. 2125/qtl.

The weighted average selling price was Rs. 2932.91/qtl for rice against the reserve price of Rs. 2932.83/qtl Pan India.

In the current tranche of e-auctions, the reduction in retail price is being targeted by offering 10 to 100 tons maximum for a buyer for wheat and 10 to 1000 tons for rice. This decision is to encourage small and marginal end users and to ensure that more participants could come forward and bid for the quantity from their depot of choice.

In order to avoid hoarding of stocks traders were kept out from the ambit of wheat sale under OMSS (D) and regular checks/inspections are being made at the Flour Mills of the processors who have purchased wheat under OMSS (D). Till 04.10.23 1229 checks across the country have been made.

As a part of Govt of India's

Reduction in retail price is targeted in the e-auctions to encourage small and marginal end users along with their maximum participation

As a part of the Government of India’s initiative for market intervention to control the retail price of rice, wheat and atta, weekly e auctions of both wheat and rice are organised. The 11th e-auction of 2023-24 was held. A quantity of 2.0 LMT wheat from 500 depots and 4.89 LMT rice from 337 depots were offered from across the country.

In the e-auction, 1.66 LMT wheat and 0.17 LMT rice were sold. The weighted average selling price was Rs. 2169.65/qtl for FAQ wheat against the reserve price of Rs. 2150/qtl Pan India whereas the weighted average selling price of URS wheat was Rs. 2150.86/qtl against the reserve price of Rs. 2125/qtl.

The weighted average selling price was Rs. 2956.19/qtl for rice against the reserve price of Rs. 2952.27/qtl Pan India.

In the current tranche of e-auctions, the reduction in retail price is being targeted by offering up to 100 tons maximum for a buyer for wheat and 1000 tons for rice. This decision is to encourage small and marginal end users and to ensure that more participants could come forward and bid for the quantity from their depot of choice.

In order to avoid hoarding of stocks traders were kept out from the ambit of wheat sale under OMSS (D) and regular checks/inspections are being made at the Flour Mills of the processors who have purchased wheat under OMSS (D). Till 05.09.23 898 checks across the country have been made.

Reduction in retail price is targeted in

Its unique composition provides prophylactic, curative, and eradicative actions, effectively targeting a wide spectrum of crop diseases such as Sheath blight, Powdery Mildew, Scab, and Alternaria

Best Agrolife Limited (BAL), a leading player in the agrochemical industry, unveiled BAL’s latest breakthrough, the fungicide ‘Tricolor’, and facilitated an engaging platform for more than 600 dealers in Kurnool and 1250 dealers in Guntur. The occasion highlighted BAL’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and pioneering agrochemical solutions.

‘Tricolor’, the latest innovation from BAL, was introduced among dealers, with all the benefits and uses. Comprising a potent blend of Trifloxystrobin 10 per cent + Difenoconazole 12.5 per cent + Sulphur 3 per cent SC, this cutting-edge fungicide offers comprehensive disease control measures. Its unique composition provides prophylactic, curative, and eradicative actions, effectively targeting a wide spectrum of crop diseases such as Sheath blight, Powdery Mildew, Scab, and Alternaria. The synergistic integration of the three active ingredients ensures enhanced efficacy, contributing to healthier crops of Rice, Tomato, Grapes, Chilli, Wheat, Mango, and Apple. 

Vimal Kumar, Managing Director, Best Agrolife, speaking at the launch, expressed his enthusiasm for Tricolor and its potential impact on farmers and the agricultural community. He stated, “Tricolor will play a pivotal role in elevating agricultural productivity and fostering the well-being of the farming community, not only in Andhra Pradesh but across India. Tricolor is an exceptionally potent fungicide with its comprehensive approach and a blend of Trifloxystrobin, Difenoconazole, and Sulphur. It addresses the multifaceted challenges faced in cultivating key crops within the region, promising higher yields and healthier produce.”

SBVR Prasad, Executive Director, Best Agrolife, highlighted the company’s vision, stating, “We are committed to providing farmer-needed products and conducting crop pest surveys to deliver the most favourable and beneficial products. What sets us apart is our competitive pricing with multinational companies as we aim to reach every farmer across the country. We look forward to prioritising the needs of our farmers and ensuring their success.”

Its unique composition provides prophylactic, curative, and

Dodhylex active is the first active ingredient in the HRAC/WSSA Group 28 and the first new herbicide with a novel mode of action in the industry

FMC Corporation, a leading global agricultural sciences company, announced Dodhylex active (pronounced DOH’-deh-leks) as the global brand name for tetflupyrolimet, a new mode of action herbicide effective on the most challenging grass weeds in rice.

“The global brand will ensure growers around the world recognise this novel mode of action in the newest herbicide products FMC expects to begin launching in 2025,” said Diane Allemang, FMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Growers worldwide will have the confidence that products powered by Dodhylex active contain FMC’s patented active ingredient that’s backed by seven years of research, development and field testing.”

The Dodhylex name is derived from the site of action – dihydroorotate dehydrogenase – combined with the flexibility of use in both transplanted and direct-seeded rice and the herbicide’s ability to block the nutrients needed for the weed to survive.

“Dodhylex active is the first active ingredient in the HRAC/WSSA Group 28 and the first new herbicide with a novel mode of action in the industry in over three decades,” said Seva Rostovtsev, vice president and chief technology officer. “This new mode of action herbicide was discovered at the FMC Stine Research Centre and is a testament to FMC’s commitment to innovation and our disciplined approach to advancing the most promising new molecules. The molecule is a significant advancement for the agriculture industry as it will help combat resistant weeds.”

Studies show Dodhylex actively provides season-long control of important grass weeds in the rice market, as well as key broadleaf weeds and sedges. FMC is also testing Dodhylex active in other crops, including sugarcane, wheat, soybean and corn. 

Dodhylex active is the first active ingredient

According to Singapore, the ban on rice imports from India only affects non-basmati rice, which accounts for 17 per cent of the total rice imports

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is in talks with Indian authorities to
obtain an exemption from the ban on exporting non-basmati white rice.

In a statement to the media, the SFA announced that their Rice Stockpile
Scheme has ensured a stable supply of rice and there is enough for everyone as
long as they purchase what they need.

Importers under the Rice Stockpile Scheme must keep inventory equal to
double their monthly imports to ensure sufficient rice supply in the market

The statement said that they regularly review inventory buffers and are
willing to work closely with the industry to make any necessary adjustments.

According to Singapore, the ban on rice imports from India only affects
non-basmati rice, which accounts for 17 per cent of the total rice imports.

The Singapore Government acknowledges that while supply disruptions may
occur, they will take measures to minimize the impact on food supply.

The agency encourages consumers to switch to other types of rice or sources
of carbohydrates in case of disruption.

According to Singapore, the ban on rice

Falling international maize and sugar prices partly offset notable jumps in wheat and vegetable oil quotations

Global food commodity prices rose in July, influenced by the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and new trade restrictions on rice, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) reported

The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 123.9 points in July, up 1.3 per cent from the previous month while 11.8 per cent below its July 2022 level.

The increase was driven by a sharp jump in the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index, which rose 12.1 per cent from June after seven months of consecutive declines. International sunflower oil prices rebounded by more than 15 per cent in the month, due mostly to renewed uncertainties surrounding the exportable supplies after the Russian Federation’s decision to end the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. World prices for palm, soy and rapeseed oils increased on concerns over output prospects in leading producing countries.

The FAO Cereal Price Index declined by 0.5 per cent from June, driven by a 4.8 per cent drop in international coarse grain quotations due to increased seasonal supplies of maize from ongoing harvests in Argentina and Brazil and potentially higher-than-anticipated production in the United States of America. However, international wheat prices rose by 1.6 per cent, their first monthly increase in nine months, due to uncertainty over exports from Ukraine as well as continued dry conditions in North America.

The FAO All Rice Price Index increased by 2.8 per cent on the month and 19.7 per cent on the year to reach its highest nominal level since September 2011, as India’s 20 July prohibition of non-parboiled Indica exports fostered expectations of greater sales in other origins, amplifying upward pressure already exerted on prices by seasonally tighter supplies and Asian purchases. This upward pressure on rice prices “raises substantial food security concerns for a large swathe of the world population, especially those that are most poor and who dedicate a larger share of their incomes to purchase food,” FAO warned, adding that export restrictions can bear adverse consequences on production, consumption and prices that last beyond the duration of their implementation and risk exacerbating high food domestic inflation in many countries.

The FAO Sugar Price Index declined by 3.9 per cent as good progress in Brazil’s sugarcane harvest and improved rains across most growing areas in India weighed on world quotations, as did subdued demand from Indonesia and China, the world’s largest sugar importers. Persistent concerns over the potential impact of the El Niño phenomenon on sugarcane crops, along with higher international crude oil prices, mitigated the decline.

The FAO Dairy Price Index declined by 0.4 per cent in July to stand 20.6 per cent below its July 2022 value. World cheese prices recovered slightly after steep recent declines as hot weather affected seasonally declining milk supplies in Europe.

The FAO Meat Price Index declined 0.3 per cent from June. Quotations for bovine, ovine and poultry meat declined on solid supply availabilities and in some cases lower demand from leading importers. Pig meat prices, by contrast, rose, reflecting high seasonal demand coupled with ongoing tight supplies from Western Europe and the United States of America.

Falling international maize and sugar prices partly

The goal is to establish a single and trustworthy source of data on crop cultivation

The Indian government has introduced a Digital Crop Survey (DCS) pilot project in 12 states during this year’s Kharif season. The goal is to establish a single and trustworthy source of data on crop cultivation. The DCS reference application is an open-source, inter-operable public good, and cadastral maps with GIS and GPS technologies ensure accurate farmland positioning. States were chosen based on their readiness for DCS, including geo-referencing of village maps and digitised Record of Right (RoR) with ownership extent.

The project aims to create reliable data on crop sowing, which is useful for accurate crop area estimation and the development of farmers’ centric solutions. The project is significant as India faces wheat and rice shortages despite record production estimates. The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare also acknowledged climate change’s impact on crop yields, particularly for rainfed rice, wheat, kharif maize, and mustard.

The ICAR’s National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) network project projected a 20-47 per cent reduction in crop yield by 2050-2080 for rain-fed rice. Similarly, the projected reduction in crop yield could be 19.3-40 per cent for wheat and 18-23 per cent for kharif maize. Mustard’s crop yield is expected to decrease by 7.9-15 per cent.

ICAR has identified 109 districts as very high risk and 201 districts as high risk under its NICRA network project. The Minister also provided data on the availability of certified/quality seeds, which was 514.26 lakh quintals, exceeding the requirement of 464.14 lakh quintals for 2022-23.

The goal is to establish a single

Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF’s Chief Economist, cautioned that such restrictions could exacerbate food price volatility worldwide and lead to retaliatory measures

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that India lift restrictions on the export of a particular type of rice, as these restrictions could contribute to global inflation. To keep domestic rice supplies stable during the festive season, the Indian government banned the export of non-basmati white rice on July 20.

This type of rice accounts for about 25 per cent of India’s total rice exports. However, there will be no change in export policy for par-boiled non-basmati rice and basmati rice, which make up the bulk of India’s rice exports. Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF’s Chief Economist, cautioned that such restrictions could exacerbate food price volatility worldwide and lead to retaliatory measures.

India’s non-basmati white rice exports totalled $4.2 million in 2022-23, with major destinations including the US, Thailand, Italy, Spain, and Sri Lanka.

The IMF has projected India’s growth rate for fiscal year 2024 to be 6.1 per cent, up slightly from its previous estimate of 5.9 per cent in April. The IMF has also praised India’s world-class digital public infrastructure, which is driving efficiency gains for businesses. The Indian economy has been robust, and the IMF has called for reforms to increase female labour force participation and training opportunities for youth. Despite the challenges, India’s growth rate is expected to remain above average for the region, with inflation projected to be under control.

Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF's Chief Economist, cautioned that

A quantity of 1.16 LMT wheat from 361 depots and 1.46 LMT rice from 178 depots were offered from across the country

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) organised the 5th e-auction of 2023-24 to sell wheat and rice.  The e-auction sold 1.06 LMT of wheat and 100 MT of rice.

In order to control the retail price of rice, wheat and atta, weekly e-auctions are being organised. The government of India is committed towards price stabilisation and its market intervention is aimed at providing relief to the consumers.

A quantity of 1.16 LMT wheat from 361 depots and 1.46 LMT rice from 178 depots were offered from across the country.

The weighted average selling price was Rs. 2182.68/qtl for FAQ wheat against the reserve price of Rs. 2150/qtl Pan India whereas the weighted average selling price of URS wheat was Rs. 2173.85/qtl against the reserve price of Rs. 2125/qtl.

The average selling price was Rs. 3151.10/qtl for rice against the reserve price of Rs. 3151.10/qtl Pan India.

In the current tranche of e-auctions, the reduction in retail price is being targeted by offering up to 100 tonnes maximum for a buyer for wheat and 1000 tonnes for rice. This decision encourages small and marginal end users and ensures that more participants could come forward and bid for the quantity from their depot of choice.

A quantity of 1.16 LMT wheat from

The groundbreaking methodology will help beef producers better understand the impact of feed supplements, enabling projects to measure and quantify the reduction of methane emissions

Cargill partnered with TREES Consulting to develop a Gold Standard-approved beef methodology that offers the global beef industry a framework for measuring methane emissions reduction using feed supplements incorporated into beef cattle diets, such as SilvAir. Gold Standard’s certification process allows climate and sustainable development initiatives to quantify, manage and maximise the impacts toward climate security. It requires a verifiable impact toward three or more of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The new beef methodology defines a set of parameters that beef producers can adopt to quantify reductions in methane emissions, a greenhouse gas (GHG) that is derived from enteric fermentation (digestion process) in cattle through eructation (burping), as well as from manure handling. The new methodology is now available for beef producers worldwide to quantify, audit and verify methane reductions, enabling them to register their GHG mitigation project for Gold Standard certification. Gold Standard’s Verified Emissions Reductions (VERs) can be traded in carbon markets, allowing credit purchasers to directly support the projects.  These efforts can also be recognised in corporate value chains, whereby beef producers and food companies account for the reduction in supply chain GHG emissions, which contributes to their Scope 3 targets.  

As a leader in animal agriculture and the beef supply chain, Cargill is in an ideal position to support its network of beef producers with the resources and innovation they will need to meet sustainability challenges. Through its Reach4Reduction program, Cargill is taking a holistic approach to methane reduction by uncovering the potential of feed management and nutrition to do more with less, helping to ensure food security while protecting the planet. Although methane emissions from the enteric fermentation of cattle are a regular occurrence, Cargill recognises the opportunity to reduce methane’s intensity through its global animal nutrition business.

“We know that the industry is looking for more accurate tools to measure methane reduction,” said Joanne Sharpe, Cargill’s global ruminant sustainability lead. “As producers look at their current levels of production efficiency and work toward sustainability goals, we are committed to finding ways to ensure they can be recognised and rewarded for their efforts. As part of our methane reduction priorities, this methodology is a key step toward opening new possibilities to reduce GHG emissions in the beef supply chain.”

“Changing agricultural practice can help reduce methane emissions, and this new methodology provides beef producers with a way to reliably measure the impact of those changes,” said Margaret Kim, CEO, of Gold Standard. “Cargill’s support is helping pave the way for the animal agriculture industry to reduce methane emissions and complements Gold Standard’s other efforts to reduce the impact of agriculture on our planet – such as our recently published methodology which reduces the methane emitted by rice production”.

In practice, projects using the new methodology establish a baseline for emissions during business-as-usual” activities for at least three continuous years. The cattle given feed supplements must be identified and tracked throughout the project. The project crediting period is set at five years and can be renewed for an additional five years, excluding the baseline years.

The groundbreaking methodology will help beef producers