Over the course of 2020, the number of people without access to adequate nutrition rose to 2.4 billion. Meanwhile, more than 820 million people across the world suffer from hunger. And by 2030, it is estimated that more than 800 million people will lack the necessary micronutrients to achieve a healthy lifestyle. It is, therefore, no surprise to say our food systems are under pressure to nutritiously feed the expected population of 9.7 billion in 2050.
DSM believe in healthy, affordable, and sustainable diets for all within planetary boundaries. Everyone deserves the right to access nutritious and healthy foods. However, we must also be mindful that animal agriculture is responsible for 14.5% of all human-derived greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On a business-as-usual model and considering that all the other sectors achieve their Paris Agreement commitments, it would consume 80% of humanity’s total GHG emissions budget by 2050. Yet, animal protein is central to a balanced diet across the world and cutting it out is not a viable option. This challenge is central to the work DSM are doing at through their ‘We Make It Possible’ strategic initiative – overhauling the animal protein production model at large with tangible science – based solutions and technologies to enhance sustainability from within.
Alongside the We Make It Possible initiative, which focuses on six major challenges facing the animal farming industry such as emissions from livestock, reliance on natural resources, and improving the lifetime performance of farm animals, DSM recently announced a series of quantifiable commitments to address the urgent societal and environmental challenges associated with our global food system. Taking hunger by example, by 2030 DSM aim to fulfil the existing micronutrient gap and reach 150 million people worldwide with nutritious, sustainable plant and animal-based protein foods. They have also placed tremendous resources to supporting the future of our planet, considering the climate crisis and food systems are heavily linked. Across species, DSM are committed to reducing emissions by changing the way we feed animals, specifically:
- Enable a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in dairy production
- Enable a 30% reduction in ammonia emissions from swine farming
- Enable a 30% reduction in phosphorus emissions from poultry farming
How these commitments can be achieved? For instance, feeding dairy cows a quarter teaspoon of the feed additive Bovaer each day can reduce enteric methane emissions by at least 30%. Similarly in swine operations, significantly lower ammonia emissions can be achieved with DSM’s VevoVitall, an ultra-pure source of benzoic acid and feed preservative. These are just two of the many ways we at DSM are enabling more sustainable animal protein production whilst reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. These types of solutions also support the health and development of farm animals, reducing lameness and improving overall lifetime performance, one of the six core facets of our We Make It Possible initiative.
According to DSM’ spokesperson, Carlos Saviani, this is what We Make It Possible is all about – tackling the biggest, interconnected global challenges that impact the health of future generations and the health of our planet with tangible solutions that create everlasting change. Between reducing emissions from livestock to improving the welfare of animals and the shelf-life or loss of food, and several other elements that impact the feed and food value chain, DSM are helping to build a stronger food system that will enable brighter lives for all. Together with our partners and customers, this is achievable. If not us, who? If not now, when? For more visit dsm.com
