VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre announces new industry research collaboration on Greenhouse Gas mitigation

The Greenhouse Gas Hub will focus on developing solutions to reduce enteric (livestock) methane emissions from pasture-based dairy systems. The partnership aims to build a real-time understanding of these emissions at farm level. This evidence base will support strategies that help the sector meet national climate targets and reduce the carbon footprint, while maintaining farm economic viability, food safety and animal welfare.

VistaMilk is a collaborative research centre that brings together expertise from 13 research institutes across Ireland, and it is uniquely co-funded by Research Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). This initiative builds on a strong body of research carried out during the first phase of VistaMilk, including work to improve the accuracy of methane emission predictions for dairy production systems. That research has provided evidence that enteric methane emissions from pasture-based systems are 8 to 10% lower than previously thought. Additional studies have also delivered new insights into how enteric methane varies in response to pasture characteristics, genetics, feeding, and management.

Dr Ben Lahart, Funded Investigator with VistaMilk, welcomed the announcement, saying: “Our ambition is to support a dairy sector that is both profitable and sustainable. This new co-funded project, working alongside the Teagasc Climate Centre, will allow us to harness the very best of Irish research and industry collaboration to reduce emissions while maintaining economic viability.”

Professor Laurence Shalloo of VistaMilk and Teagasc stated; “The findings on pasture and enteric methane in VistaMilk Phase I have been game changing and have helped reinforce a significant refocus on enteric methane in pasture-based settings globally. This partnership represents a vital, industry-driven model of collaborative scientific research, strengthening the link between evidence and real-world impact. The impact of this research helps our understanding of enteric methane from grazing dairy cows, as well as helping develop strategies to reduce enteric methane in a cost-effective manner.”

The joint initiative marks a new level of cooperation between research and industry. Each organisation brings its own strengths: VistaMilk provides scientific depth and technological innovation; the dairy industry partners contribute real-world market insight and supply-chain knowledge. Together they represent a sector committed to driving practical, science-based solutions.

For farmers, the Greenhouse Gas Hub promises better access to data on emissions, clearer guidance on effective mitigation options, and tools that can be integrated into daily farm management. For industry, it supports robust sustainability reporting, improved environmental performance, and greater transparency for customers and markets. At a national level, the collaboration reinforces Ireland’s international reputation as the leader in low-carbon, pasture-based dairy production.

The new project formally launched on 20th November 2025. Early research backed trials will evaluate a range of strategies to reduce enteric methane emissions within pasture-based systems. The most promising approaches will then be assessed over long term system studies to assess their total environmental and economic impacts. A stakeholder advisory group will help guide priorities, ensuring the research remains relevant and impactful across the sector.

With sustained investment from Research Ireland, DAFM, and industry partners through VistaMilk, Ireland’s dairy sector continues to advance a climate-smart future grounded in rigorous science, strong collaboration, and long-term innovation.

For more information, please contact Eimear Hutchinson, Communications Manager with VistaMilk at Eimear.Hutchinson@teagasc.ie