- The Greener Cattle Initiative (GCI), in collaboration with FFAR and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, is offering up to $5 million for research proposals aimed at reducing enteric methane emissions from cattle.
- GCI seeks proposals in key areas, including non-vaccine delivery methods, early-life interventions, combination effects, and long-term studies to mitigate methane emissions while ensuring animal health and productivity.
- Eligible institutions worldwide can apply by submitting a Letter of Intent through FFAR’s Grant Management System by April 3, 2024. Full proposals are invited post pre-application review.
Discover Exciting Funding Opportunities with the Greener Cattle Initiative
Climate change poses significant challenges, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane, is crucial for a sustainable future. The Greener Cattle Initiative (GCI), a collaborative effort by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, is at the forefront of this mission. GCI has announced its second request for proposals, inviting researchers worldwide to develop scalable technologies that mitigate enteric methane emissions from cattle.
Why is This Important?
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, much stronger than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. Cattle produce methane primarily through burping, contributing significantly to global emissions. Reducing these emissions is not only vital for slowing climate change but also for helping the dairy and beef industries achieve their sustainability goals. However, innovative solutions are needed to achieve this balance without compromising animal health, productivity, and environmental safety.
Key Research Areas
GCI is seeking proposals that focus on:
- Delivery Mechanisms: Explore non-vaccine methods for administering methane mitigation technologies, such as oral supplements, injections, or topical applications.
- Early-Life Interventions: Investigate how early-life interventions can reduce methane emissions later in life.
- Combination Effects: Study the combined effects of multiple mitigation technologies to understand their additive or synergistic impacts.
- Long-Term Studies: Conduct long-term research to evaluate the lasting effects of these technologies on animal health and productivity.
Funding Details
GCI offers up to $5 million for all proposed projects. While matching funds are optional, they can enhance the scope of your research. The deadline for pre-applications is 5 p.m. ET, April 3, 2024. This opportunity is open to higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profits, and government-affiliated research agencies worldwide.
How to Apply
To apply, submit your Letter of Intent and, if invited, a full proposal through FFAR’s online Grant Management System. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start Your Application: Visit FFAR’s Grant Management System and create an account if you’re a new user.
- Save Your Work: Save your progress frequently using the “Save and Finish Later” option.
- Submit on Time: Ensure your application is submitted by the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
GCI welcomes applications from:
- Domestic and international higher education institutions.
- Non-profit and for-profit organizations.
- Government-affiliated research agencies.
What GCI Does Not Fund
GCI will not consider proposals focusing on:
- Greenhouse gas reporting frameworks or sustainability indexes.
- Genetic improvements of forage or concentrate feeds.
- Policies, soil carbon sequestration, or vaccine development.
- Unproven products or strategies that counteract current beneficial practices.
Additional Guidelines
Your project should aim to transform enteric methane research and agricultural sustainability. Highlight the following in your application:
- Impact on Emissions: How will your research reduce methane emissions?
- Health and Safety: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Food Quality: Maintain the quality and safety of animal-derived food products.
- Transformative Potential: Explain how your approach can drive significant change.
- Scalability: Show potential for implementation in global dairy and beef systems.
- Consumer Acceptance: Assess the likely acceptance of your strategy by consumers.
Funding and Review Process
Projects up to three years in length are eligible for funding. The review process includes:
- Pre-Application Review: Internal review by the GCI Steering Committee.
- Full Application Review: Peer-review by external experts and evaluation by the GCI Steering Committee.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Research Team Qualifications: Expertise and resources available.
- Project Goals and Methods: Adequacy and feasibility of methods.
- Outcomes and Impact: Potential impact and relevance of research.
- Data Management: Commitment to public access and data dissemination.
- Overcoming Barriers: Addressing challenges to adoption and scalability.
Contact Information
For assistance with the online submission system, contact FFAR’s Grant Management team at [email protected]. For inquiries about the Greener Cattle Initiative, email [email protected].
Seize this opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that can help mitigate climate change and promote sustainability in the cattle industry. Apply now and be a part of the solution!
