The European Commission wants member states to offer methane reduction schemes to farmers as part of the next CAP.

The Commission unveiled its methane reduction strategy on Wednesday, with agriculture identified alongside energy and waste as key sectors. The main sources of methane within agriculture are from ruminants’ digestive process (81%), and manure (17.5%). The Commission has identified lowering emissions per cow and producing biogas as the two main avenues through which agriculture can reduce its impact. To promote the take-up of methane-reducing approaches, a list of best practices will be drawn up by the end of next year. It will be incorporated into the rollout of ‘carbon farming’ initiatives in the next CAP that reward farmers who reduce emissions.