Methane from livestock farming: EU emissions can be reduced by at least 20 percent
At a European conference in Berlin, Agora Agriculture presents its first estimates of the potential to reduce methane emissions from livestock farming in the EU and Germany. Together with experts from science, industry and policy, the think tank discusses how mitigation measures can be implemented in ways that are both politically and economically viable.
Berlin, 14 October 2026. Agricultural methane emissions from livestock farming can be reduced by at least 20 percent on average across the EU through technological solutions and improved management practices. This is according to preliminary findings from a new analysis by Agora Agriculture, presented today at the conference "Reducing Agricultural Methane: Relevance, Potentials & Policy Options" in Berlin. The full study will be published in 2027, with today's conference marking the start of an intensive dialogue process. According to the analysis, measures to reduce methane at farm level offer considerable potential to lower emissions per animal. Many mitigation options, including feed and manure additives, are already technically available and cost less than 100 euros per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is below the costs expected for technological carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere by mid-century.
Just over 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector, as defined for reporting purposes, are methane emissions from livestock farming. Around 80 percent of these arise in the digestive tract of ruminants, while 20 percent result from methane released by slurry and manure. The use of feed and manure additives can reduce these emissions by around 20 percent on average across the EU. The preliminary results of the analysis show that the type of livestock system has a major influence on which measures can be applied. Countries with a larger proportion of pasture-based farming have lower mitigation potential.
The German government's 2026 Climate Action Programme aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector by more than 25 percent by 2040 compared with current levels, Methane from livestock farming accounts for the largest share of the reductions required. Policy frameworks that promote climate-efficient technologies in livestock farming, combining competitiveness with climate goals, are therefore crucial. Denmark shows how first implementation steps can succeed. Since 2025, Danish dairy farms have been required to use methane-reducing feed additives on at least 80 days per year. The associated costs are offset through government payments.
The conference marks the start of a series of stakeholder dialogues. Livestock farmers from Germany, Denmark and Spain will share practical experience of methane reduction measures, while companies along the value chain will discuss financing pathways. Discussions with representatives of the European Commission and the agriculture ministries of Germany and Spain will address the policy frameworks required to support implementation.
The full study on reducing agricultural methane emissions will be published in 2027. For more information, visit www.agora-agriculture.org.