Ireland backs methane-reducing feed research in US$40.5M agri-food funding push

IRELAND – Ireland has announced €37.5 million (US$40.5 million) in funding for agri-food research, including projects on methane-reducing feed additives and livestock disease control, as part of its 2025 thematic research call.

The funding, awarded to 30 projects across 19 institutions, targets key areas such as climate change mitigation, animal health, water quality, biodiversity and farm safety. 

The initiative is led by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with additional support from partners across the island.

“This €37.5m (US$40.5 million) in awards is an investment in the future of Ireland’s agri-food, forest and bioeconomy sectors,” said Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture. 

“Cutting-edge research and innovation are essential to ensuring that these sectors remain competitive, resilient and sustainable.”

Among the projects is a first-of-its-kind Irish study evaluating feed additives designed to reduce methane emissions over an animal’s lifetime, an area of growing importance as livestock systems face pressure to cut greenhouse gas outputs.

Feed additives and animal health in focus

Methane-reducing feed technologies are gaining traction globally as governments and producers seek practical ways to lower emissions intensity without compromising productivity. 

The Irish-funded research will examine how such additives perform across different production stages, providing long-term data on effectiveness and potential scalability.

The programme also includes new approaches to tracking and controlling bovine tuberculosis (TB), alongside projects exploring functional foods, fibre-based packaging and improved water quality monitoring.

“Our farmers and food producers need access to the best possible evidence, technologies and practices,” Heydon added. 

“This research investment will generate the insights and innovations required to meet those needs.”

Cross-border collaboration and skills development

The funding package includes €3.1 million (US$3.3 million) in co-financing from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, supporting six cross-border research projects.

An additional €750,000 (US$810,000) will be provided by the Department of Health for a health-related project.

Noel Grealish, Minister of State with responsibility for research and development, highlighted the role of collaboration and skills development in the programme.

“Collaboration is at the heart of this investment,” he said. 

“The projects will involve the education and training of over 90 postgraduate students and more than 60 contract researchers, ensuring a strong pipeline of scientific talent.”

For the feed industry, the inclusion of methane-reducing additives in national research priorities signals increasing policy alignment with climate targets. 

Feed solutions are expected to play a central role in reducing emissions intensity in dairy and beef systems, particularly in countries like Ireland with large ruminant sectors.

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