July 19, 2023

UK minister advocates genetic engineering of cows to reduce methane emissions

Mark Spencer, UK Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, has expressed his preference for genetically engineering cows to emit less methane as a solution to environmental concerns over meat production, Jersey Evening Post reported.

In a recent Environmental Audit Committee hearing, the Conservative MP, said that he does not wish to impose policies on farming practices or dictate dietary choices to consumers.

Minister Spencer proposed enhancing meat production efficiency by breeding cattle that emit less methane, implementing more methane-reducing feed systems, and adopting new products emerging in the market.

Mr. Spencer stressed the significance of the UK agricultural sector in greenhouse gas emissions, with 10% of the UK's emissions attributed to agriculture. Approximately 85% of the UK's food-producing land is dedicated to grazing livestock and their feed.

The minister suggested that achieving environmental goals did not require the government to mandate less meat consumption or convert pastures into forests, as the latter could lead to offshoring meat production with higher environmental impacts.

-      Jersey Evening Post