Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge

Apply today!

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is investing in innovative, scalable and economically viable practices, processes, and technologies that reduce enteric methane emissions from the cattle sector, specifically cow-calf operations, feedlot, and dairy.

Prizes Available

• Up to 20 prizes of up to $250,000 open to all eligible applicants participating in stage 1.
• Up to 10 prizes of up to $500,000 open to all semi-finalists participating in stage 2.
• Up to 2 grand prizes of $1M open to all finalists participating in stage 3.
• All semi-finalists and finalists will also benefit from non-financial support such as mentorship and training opportunities.

What is enteric methane?

• Enteric fermentation happens when livestock like cattle, goats, and sheep break down their food in the digestive track. This process produces methane and is released by the animal through its mouth.
• Did you know that this accounts for 86% of Canada’s agricultural methane emissions?
• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide over a 100-year time period. Applications will be accepted until February 7, 2024.

Who can apply?

• Farmers
• Ranchers
• Scientists
• Researchers
• Businesses
• Associations
• Non-profit organizations
• International innovators who can legally test, pilot, demonstrate, and deploy their solutions in Canada.
• Indigenous peoples, women, youth, racialized groups, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Lowering methane emissions is critical to fighting climate change and its impacts, such as increased wildfires, more severe storms and increased drought. That is why AAFC has designed the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge in collaboration with the sector to spur innovation, create more economic opportunities, while reducing emissions and protecting the environment.

The sector is taking action and the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge is designed to support and accelerate these efforts.

Canadian cattle producers have a reputation for delivering both high-quality beef and dairy while making commitments to environmental sustainability goals. The sector is already taking steps to improve animal health, feed efficiency and pasture management—practices that contribute to reductions in methane emissions while delivering other environmental benefits

What are some potential innovation areas?

• Feed additives, precision feeding technology, improved forage quality, novel feed additives.
• Improved pasture and grazing management practices
• Improved cattle management, animal health or breeding practices
• And others!

Key Dates

Stage 1A – Concept application

• Application deadline: February 7, 2024
• Stage 1A results: Spring 2024

Stage 1B – Prototype development

• Technical review ends: Early 2025
• Stage 1B results: Spring 2025

Stage 2 – Testing and measurement

• Application deadline for semi-finalists: Early 2026
• Stage 2 results: Spring 2026

Stage 3 – Grow and scale

• Application deadline for finalists: Fall 2027
• Grand Prize winners announced: Spring 2028

Do you have what it takes?

Learn more and apply through Impact Canada!

/challenges/methanechallenge

Contact AAFC: aafc.amrc-drma.aac@agr.gc.ca

1-877-246-4682