1. Tell us a little about your organisation and its role in the animal science sector. 

Guided by science and economics, and committed to climate justice, at EDF we work in the places, on the projects and with the people that can make the biggest difference. We know it takes rigorous science to protect people and the planet. One example: Our groundbreaking studies put the powerful climate pollutant methane on the global agenda — and we launched a satellite to map, measure and reduce it. Our scientists lead large-scale collaborations with university and industry partners to guide our work, building on the legacy of the scientists who founded EDF more than 50 years ago. Whether we’re mapping climate pollution from space or cutting air pollution on the ground, science drives all we do. We also know that globally, agriculture contributes Globally, agriculture accounts for about 40% of human-caused emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Cutting methane is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming, and the majority of agricultural methane emissions come from livestock farming. Livestock farming supports livelihoods and provides vital nutrition to people around the world. We work with top food companies, farmer organizations and policymakers to support producers in cutting methane while protecting jobs and food supplies. The best solutions are regional and include better manure management, improved productivity — and fewer cow burps. Our latest initiative for instance looks at how improving animal health is a direct way to help stabilize the climate and boost people’s health and standards of living, particularly in lower-income countries.

2. Why did you decide to sponsor the BSAS Annual Conference in Galway?
BSAS brings together top professionals in the animal science field and has been staunchly committed to evidence based science, aligned with EDF’s own values. The society recognises the urgent need for science-led efforts to address the climate crisis. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) and that innovation in this area plays a key role in supporting planetary health, sustainability and global food security. With its own stated commitment that BSAS will continue to champion the role of science in delivering solutions that balance sustainability, animal welfare, and food security, we see BSAS events as a positive and important forum to support the taking place of these discussions in.

3. What are you looking forward to at the conference?
Setting up and stimulating engaging and evidence-driven insightful discussions among the audience participating in the conference. We believe that the key messaging and networking opportunities are ever more valuable in the current policy contexts.

4. Where can attendees learn more about your organisation?
We pride ourselves on our work being both global https://www.edf.org/ and authentically European https://www.edfeurope.org/. We will be happy to engage with attendees in person, through our social media LinkedIn  or indeed by email justin.zahra@edf.org.

5. Would you like to share anything else with our delegates?
We’re always happy to connect with agrifood, science and farming stakeholders working on the challenges and opportunities around addressing livestock methane. We invite interested parties to a look at this webinar co-hosted by EDF and Eit Food around this topic: