Enteric Fermentation R&D Accelerator

The world’s largest coordinated public investment in breakthrough livestock methane research.

Up to 70% of global agricultural methane emissions stem from livestock digestion. With smart investments into research and development (R&D) farmers can cut emissions, increase productivity and feed a growing population.

The Global Methane Hub’s Enteric Fermentation R&D Accelerator supports the development of a holistic and balanced portfolio of research and technologies that are accessible and viable for farmers around the world to adopt.

The Accelerator funds previously overlooked areas of research that could be transformative in delivering urgently needed methane mitigation.

Project Spotlights

Unlocking Microbes to Curb Methane Emissions

The challenge:

Microbes in the first stomach of cows, goats and sheep ferment cellulose and other plant molecules to produce energy and in the process, methane.

Breakthrough research:

Researchers in the global Rumen Gateway project, coordinated by Queen’s University Belfast are studying gut microbes from ruminant livestock to aid in the development of  effective technologies that reduce methane emissions.

Precision Methane Monitoring for Livestock

The challenge:

The methane produced during livestock digestion varies significantly depending on production system, genetics, feed type, and animal health. Accurately measuring methane emitted by individual animals is critical for developing effective mitigation solutions.

Breakthrough research:

Researchers at Zelp are developing a scalable, wearable device that tracks cattle methane in real time. 

By enabling reliable and affordable measurements on many individual animals, this innovation could accelerate research, cut R&D costs and fast-track solutions to reduce emissions.

Our Strategy

Launched at COP28 in partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund, Gerstner Philanthropies, High Tide Foundation, Gates Foundation, Danone and other partners, the Accelerator’s research strategy is guided by a Science Oversight Committee of leading experts. 

The strategy sets clear research priorities to fast-track methane-reducing solutions across diverse livestock systems worldwide.

2024 Annual Report

Our latest report showcases the Accelerator’s momentum since its launch – driven by the commitment of our funders and partners. We extend special thanks to the Government of Ireland and Danone, the first public and private supporters, whose leadership is shaping the path forward.

But we’re only getting started. To scale impact, we need more governments and companies to follow their example and invest in this effort. With broader support, we can deliver affordable, accessible methane solutions for farmers worldwide, empowering them as key players in climate action.

The Science Oversight Committee

The Science Oversight Committee (SOC), a team of independent experts, guides the Global Methane Hub’s Enteric Fermentation R&D Accelerator. They identified seven priority research areas with the greatest potential to deliver innovative methane mitigation technologies. The Accelerator is now focused on addressing these key questions to close critical knowledge gaps.

Collaborate with Us

Are you a researcher involved in livestock enteric methane emissions? We invite you to tell us about your research interests and capabilities.

Funders

Valhalla Foundation
Gerstner Philanthropies
Danone
Bezos Earth Fund
Quadrature Climate Foundation
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland
Global Methane Hub
High Tide Foundation
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Zegar Family Foundation