Could Bovaer reaction be a ‘big win’ for small, independent dairies?

The public has made its voice heard. Shortly after revealing a major test with supermarkets Morrisons, Tesco, and Aldi, the Danish-Swedish dairy company Arla found itself needing to justify its ruminant feed additive, Bovaer, due to widespread consumer boycotts of products linked to Arla.

Many people are worried about connections to large corporations, animal welfare issues, and the potential impact of Bovaer on humans. As a result, they are choosing to stop buying their usual brands of milk, butter, and cheese—like Cravendale and Lurpak—and are instead opting to support smaller producers.

While Bovaer is currently only utilized on 30 of the nearly 9,000 dairy farms associated with Arla, some farmers are concerned that the milk produced in these trials may become mixed with milk from farms not participating in the experiment.

Over the weekend, various companies took to social media and reached out directly to their customers to clarify that they do not use Bovaer in their processes. This includes both major players like Wyke Farms and smaller businesses such as Hook & Son and Pedigree Milk.

Before the announcement made last week, Bovaer—which is claimed to cut methane emissions from cows by as much as 29%—had already received approval in various regions around the globe, including Canada and Australia. The dairy industry is actively looking for innovative solutions to lessen its environmental footprint.

"Reducing methane emissions presents a significant chance to enhance the carbon footprint of farms. According to Paul Dover, the agricultural director at Arla Foods UK, feed additives such as Bovaer could play a crucial role in addressing this challenge."

“We’re really thrilled about this new collaborative approach to working with our retail partners and the opportunities that feed additives, like this one, offer.”

Bovaer is manufactured by DSM Firmenich, and Arla has clarified that it has no connection to a comparable company called Rumin-8, which has prominent backing from Bill Gates.

In an interview with The Grocer, Arla emphasized that the well-being of both its animals and customers is its highest priority.

A representative stated that Bovaer has been widely and safely utilized throughout Europe. They emphasized that throughout the trial, there will be no effect on the milk we produce, as the substance does not transfer from the cow to the milk.

This hasn't done much to calm anxious customers, whose trust has been rattled over the past thirty years by incidents like the BSE and horse meat controversies.

Along with looking for local dairies for milk and cheese, more and more consumers seem to be interested in organic fruits and vegetables. The Soil Association has reported receiving several questions recently about whether certain additives can be used by its members.

According to a statement from the Soil Association on X, all ingredients and materials must be authorized and recognized as safe and beneficial for animal health. They mentioned that the primary ingredient in Bovaer is absent from their list of approved items, meaning it cannot be used in organic farming practices.

“Arla sources milk from a variety of farms, offering both organic and conventional options," the Soil Association explained. "For the organic milk, it must comply with strict organic regulations, and its production process needs to be entirely separate from that of non-organic milk. This separation must be verified and confirmed by independent assessments each year.”

Rebecca Mayhew from Old Hall Farm, which has a dairy operation for calves in South Norfolk, mentioned that she has received over 200 inquiries since news about the Arla trial became public. “People are curious about what it is, whether we're implementing it, and the reasons behind its necessity,” she explained.

Rebecca pointed out that the discussion about methane is more complex and subtle than many people realize, particularly regarding grass-fed cattle. "Feeding our animals requires less energy compared to most animal products you find in stores. The main issue is the amount of energy used to produce methane. Our cows have a diverse diet; they consume long grasses that provide tannins, which help reduce methane naturally. Unlike others, our cows don’t eat soy or corn, which aren't suitable for them, and corn can harm the soil. We also have plenty of dung beetles on our farm. They help break down manure, contributing to the methane cycle."

Rebecca is optimistic that the latest updates will prompt consumers to think more carefully about their purchases and the sources of those products. She encourages both the public and independent shops to build stronger connections with farmers. "As a deli or store, don’t hesitate to proclaim, ‘our products don’t include Bovaer.’ I’ve reached out to all my cheese suppliers to confirm they’re not part of that program. Understanding what you sell is empowering. Be sure to investigate your supply chain!”

Although it seems that smaller dairy farms might benefit quickly, as consumers consider the implications of Bovaer and decide whether to accept it in food production, Rebecca highlights a concern among dairy farmers. They worry that some people might completely eliminate milk and cheese from their diets. It's essential to keep these farmers updated on the situation.

Another concern for family-owned dairies is that demand could exceed supply, increasing the strain on them.

Tim Gurton from Collett’s Farm in Essex is well aware of this trend. The dairy, known for its raw milk, has experienced a significant boost in sales over the past year, driven by a growing fascination with foods and beverages that promote gut health.

Following the announcement about Bovaer, he mentioned that there's been a notable increase in inquiries and messages about its application, along with a significant rise in website visits. “It's definitely on people's radars.”

The only challenge I notice is that some folks claim they don’t want to shop at supermarkets, yet they expect farms to operate like them and provide the same level of service—having supplies available exactly when they need them. However, no business can easily manage a sudden 10% rise in demand. It’s quite tough to handle. Plus, producing too much milk leads to waste.

Tim points out that consumers have come to depend on the products provided by big retailers and shouldn't assume that small farmers can easily take their place. "We saw a similar situation four years ago with Covid, when people claimed they would permanently change their shopping habits. Yet just three months later, they returned to shopping at supermarkets as if nothing had changed. It's not sustainable to rely on a temporary increase in demand to keep a business running."

With that in mind, Tim feels inspired and encouraged by the growing curiosity among consumers about their food choices. "Our food system is complex, and not everyone has all the answers. The best way to find trustworthy information is to buy from small-scale producers who can share their knowledge."