Global Research Alliance on agricultural greenhouse gases Date: 2/6/2015 Henk van der Mheen Wageningen University and Research Center
Since 2009
Structure
Livestock Research Group (since 2010) brings countries together to find ways to grow more food with lower emissions by improving global cooperation in research to support farmers, policies and other international organizations
Meetings LRG Banff, Canada 8-9 October 2010 Versailles, France 1-2 March 2011 Amsterdam, Netherlands 2-4 November 2011 Punta del Este, Uruguay 1-2 November 2012 Dublin, Ireland 28 29 June 2013 Yogyakarta, Indonesia 14 15 November 2014
Focus Stocktake & inventories Networks & databases Capability development Research collaboration Technical Information & Knowledge Hub Common understanding Support policies, farmers & partners Concerted actions resourcing the ambitions
Stocktake and Inventories Facilitate the sharing of data experience and information: SF 6 Tracer Technique Guidelines Workshop, NZ 2011 Surveys of regional Livestock systems Stocktakes of countries science capability and capacity Stocktake of agricultural greenhouse gas models and data sets Survey of management practices, measurement techniques and mitigation methodologies Nitrous Oxide Chamber Methodology workshop, NZ 2011
Communication GlobalResearchAlliance.org/Research/Livestock
Impact 2007 2013 2010+ Livestock Research Group
Research Networks Selection & Genomics Animal Health Production Feed & Nutrition Rumen Microbial Manure Management Adaptation Mitigation Grassland Research C-sequestration Livestock Research Group
Research Network Objectives Prioritize issues Identifying gaps in knowledge Selection & Genomics Animal Health Avoid duplication in research Share information on funding activities Feed & Nutrition Rumen Microbial Manure Management Criteria for data sharing and analysis Common protocols for measurement Improve accuracy of data Analyse available data Standardise modelling assumptions Grassland Research Exchange scientists and students between partners Access to research equipment
Activities with Africa Workshops in Kenya and Ghana (2012) Measurement and mitigation of greenhouse gases in African farming systems Training course, Pretoria South Africa (2014) To increase the research capacity in methane and nitrous oxide measurements Ruforum conference participation (2014) To increase awareness of the GRA activities in Africa Individual training opportunities for researchers GRA workshop in Tunis (March 2015) To increase active participation in the GRA
Active link with African researchers Selection and Genomics Network 370 active members 10 members from Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa) Rumen Microbial Genomics Network 250 active members 24 members from Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria) Recent annual Meeting Animal Health Network Ethiopia, in November 2014. Focus on GHG Emissions Intensity in relation to Animal Health in Africa.
Advantages of being active in a Research Network For a scientist: Access to information from numerous partners / countries Faster development of new technologies More modelling capacity Allows to address large questions New opportunities for funding For the Sector / Policy maker: Better knowledge on strategies Information on future areas of development Opportunity of pooling resources
Communication
Fundamental Research Proof of concept Pilot study Best Practice >10 years 5-10 years 2-5 years Available now Mitigation potential Economic viability Sustainability 16
Mitigation options
Immediate actions Improving feed quality and digestibility Improving animal health and husbandry Manure management: collection, storage and utilisation Precision livestock farming
Adaptation options
Our next Ambitions Towards More Solutions Integrated Herd Management Options Breed, Feed, Health triple win: productivity efficiency footprint Practical Management Options Manure; Enteric Fermentation; Grasslands Strengthen our connection to Africa Resourcing the ambitions with support from partners
Thank you for your attention www.globalresearchalliance.org secretariat@globalresearchalliance.org
Selection & Genomics Selection on low methane production Genotyping low methane production www.asggn.org Review on Genetic possibilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ruminants 10% methane reduction Genetic anlysis: Precise measurements in large numbers (+10000) of ruminants 370 active members
Rumen Microbiology Shifts in the microbiome composition Inhibitors Vaccines Probiotics 20% methane reduction 250 active members http://www.rmgnetwork.org.nz/
Feed & Nutrition Forage quality Dietary, customized feed Feed supplements 30% methane reduction fnnnetwork.wordpress.com 120 active members
Health Management Provide evidence that methane production is related to health status Identify diagnostic indicators Health management, including medication Started in 2014 twitter.com/ahghgn 30+% methane reduction
Manure management Manure Kiosk Extra 10% GHG reduction better integration of livestock-crop farming Storage and transport improved composting recovering nutrients and other valuables biogas production (fermentation) manure refinery (bio-enzymes)
Grassland management Objectives Assess baseline C sequestration in various grasslands and rangelands Assess the impacts of management and future climate change on sequestration GHG reduction by C sequestration Emerging, 6 regional coordinators
Manure Kiosk GLEAM