Alquería will test in Colombia an innovation that could reduce methane from cows by more than 80%.

Colombia will become the first country in Latin America to test an innovative solution aimed at reducing more than 80% of methane emissions from cattle. The initiative involves Alquería, a leading dairy company in the region, and SeaStock, an Australian firm specializing in marine algae-based products. Together, they have launched a partnership to develop and validate AlgaToro, a natural ingredient derived from seaweed designed to cut down methane produced during cows' digestion. The project marks a key step in Alquería’s strategy to expand its offerings beyond traditional dairy products. By integrating this new innovation into its operations, the company aims to enhance both sustainability and competitiveness within the livestock sector. According to available research, AlgaToro has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with cattle farming, offering a promising alternative to conventional practices. Initial evaluations of AlgaToro will take place on Alquería-owned farms, where Colombian producers will participate once regulatory approvals are obtained. These trials aim to assess how effectively the ingredient performs under real-world conditions, particularly in tropical grazing systems typical of Colombian agriculture. The findings could provide valuable insights for broader implementation across Latin America. The collaboration between Alquería and SeaStock combines the latter's expertise in developing algae-based solutions with Alquería's long-standing experience working directly with farmers. With over six decades of fieldwork, Alquería has established a deep understanding of local production methods, which will help tailor the technology to suit regional requirements. This synergy is expected to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in the dairy industry. Rafael Álvarez, CEO of Alquería, emphasized that the future of livestock farming lies in balancing productivity with environmental responsibility. He stated that the alliance with SeaStock positions Colombia as a pioneer in evaluating this technology, which could lead to more sustainable milk production while supporting producer competitiveness. “This partnership allows us to explore how this innovation can contribute to a more environmentally friendly and economically viable dairy sector,” he added. Tom Puddy, executive director of SeaStock, highlighted the strategic choice of launching the project in Colombia due to its favorable conditions for testing such technologies. He noted that working alongside Alquería provides access to unique agricultural systems found throughout Latin America, enabling further refinement of the solution. “Our goal is to create benefits for both farmers and the environment through scientifically backed innovations,” Puddy explained. As part of this phase, both companies will collaborate with local producers to gather essential data that will guide subsequent stages of the project. This information will be crucial in refining the technology and ensuring its effectiveness across different regions. The initiative reflects Alquería’s ongoing commitment to leveraging science and technology to address challenges in food production. In addition to its core business, Alquería has been expanding into new markets, including cafeterias, restaurants, and hotels, which has contributed to its growth. This diversification underscores the company’s vision of using innovation to meet evolving consumer demands and support a more sustainable food system. Through these efforts, Alquería continues to position itself as a leader in promoting environmentally responsible practices within the livestock industry.