sustainability of dairy production as demand increases. We especially need to address the significant level of methane


emissions generated by cows, and by doing so we will help animal production decarbonize. Putting feed and nutrition at the centre of the battle, we’re working on a solution called Bovaer which can reduce emissions from ruminants by 30% or more. It isn’t fair to place all the blame for agricultural emissions on cattle.


For example, swine produce large quantities of ammonia in their urine, which leads to eutrophication on land, a leading cause of biodiversity loss. DSM’s VevoVitall reduces ammonia emissions from swine by 16% on average due to its action of acidifying the urine. In poultry, meanwhile, DSM has improved phosphorus


management through the use of HiPhos—an advanced phytase feed enzyme that reduces the industry’s reliance on finite rock phosphate resources by unlocking the naturally occurring phosphorus in the plant raw materials in the feed. By doing this, poultry excrete as much as 50% less phosphorus into the environment—a major cause of


freshwater pollution. This nutritional solution not only addresses the issue of finite resource use, but further shrinks the emissions profile of animal agriculture.


What should others be doing to reduce emissions across agriculture? None of these solutions alone can transform the face of animal agriculture; together, though, they represent a huge leap forward for sustainable farming. The same is true of all sustainability challenges— no one country or business on its own will be able to change the direction of travel, but many working in tandem can achieve the targets set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and more. We Make It Possible hopes not only to spur further action within DSM towards ever more innovative and sustainable solutions, but also beyond. Every business in the sector has an obligation to our planet and to ourselves, to create change.


If not us, who? If not now, when?


Mole Valley Farmers First to Financially Support Responsible Sourcing of Soy and Palm


Farmers buying compounds and blends from Mole Valley Farmers can be assured they’re doing their bit for the environment thanks to a commitment from the company to financially support responsible sourcing of soy and palm. The British, farmer owned business is soon to become a


full member of the Round Table on Responsible Soy Association (RTRS) and Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). This will mean that from October 2021, for every tonne of soy or


palm they buy for use in compounds or blends, additional purchased ‘credits’ will be put towards the production of responsibly grown crops. This will encourage zero deforestation, good agricultural practices and responsible labour conditions. All additional costs will be absorbed by Mole Valley Farmers meaning there will be no impact on the cost per tonne at the farm gate. Dr Chris Bartram, Head of Nutrition for Mole Valley Farmers,


believes the business is the first in the UK ruminant feed sector to make such a commitment. “This is just one step we’re taking to help farmers meet


environmental sustainability targets,” he says. “It’s important that the whole feed supply chain works together to promote responsible production of soy and palm considering the potential impact these feeds may have on the environment.” At present it is practically difficult to segregate responsibly sourced soy and palm from non-responsibly grown crops.


However, as more companies buy RTRS and RSPO credits, the expectation is that more crops will be grown in an environmentally conscious way. This should mean that full segregation is feasible in 5-6 years’ time. Dr Bartram adds: “In the meantime, farmers can be confident


that they are contributing to the long-term production of responsibly grown soy and palm when they feed our compounds and blends. Alternatively, if they don’t want to feed soy and palm, they can choose from our existing range of no palm, no soy products.” Mole Valley Farmers is also actively incorporating more


home-produced feed products - such as beans and rape - into their compounds and blends. They are also working closely with the food industry to utilise more by-products, such as biscuit meal, which have a lower carbon footprint. All of this work sits alongside existing steps taken by the business to help agriculture and the environment. This includes: • Understanding the carbon footprint of every feed ingredient delivered to their mills • The ability to determine the nitrogen and methane impact of different diets using their Precision Nutrition rationing programme • Launching Great British Feeds, which include feeds grown in Britain as the main ingredients • Working to reduce the carbon footprint of their feed mills.


FEED COMPOUNDER MARCH/APRIL 2021 PAGE 41


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