The history of FutureFeed
The great seaweed search
Over a decade ago, a team of scientists from CSIRO and James Cook University, supported by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), began investigating the methane reduction and potential of native Australian seaweeds. They hoped that feeding seaweeds to ruminant animals, like cows, could improve feed efficiency by conserving energy usually lost by methane.
Asparagopsis was in the first cohort of seaweeds tested, with shockingly positive results. After repeating experiments several times, even low levels of Asparagopsis were confirmed to dramatically reduce methane and make feed more efficient. Subsequent studies on animals in Australia and the US consistently demonstrate that 80%+ methane reduction can be achieved in a controlled farm setting.
Enter FutureFeed
FutureFeed was established by CSIRO in 2020 to commercialise this world-changing discovery. Investors include CSIRO, Woolworths Group, GrainCorp, AGP Sustainable Real Assets and Harvest Road.
FutureFeed owns intellectual property around the world for growing and processing the seaweed that can be supplied to feed manufacturers and livestock producers. We are continually growing our network of licensees and partners, so that the impact of our science can be scaled to meet growing demand from the red meat and dairy industries.
Timeline of Events
2005
• Canadian farmer discovers that cows by the sea eating local seaweed are more productive
2010
• The Canadian farmer consults Dr. Rob Kinley, who discovers methane levels are reduced in early tests on seaweed consumption on his cattle
2011
• Dr. Kinley, working with CSIRO, JCU, and MLA to test 30 different seaweeds. Asparagopsis is found to nearly eliminate methane
2014
• CSIRO, JCU and MLA register a patent on a new method to reduce methane production in ruminant animals
2016
• First peer-reviewed publication on an in-vitro trial shows complete methane elimination
2018
• Peer-reviewed in-vivo sheep trial shows up to 80% methane reduction
2019
• Peer-reviewed in-vitro study shows Asparagopsis no negative impact on rumen fermentation
2020
• CSIRO establishes FutureFeed to commercialize Asparagopsis
• FutureFeed wins $1M (USD) Food Planet Prize
• Peer-reviewed study finds freeze-dried Asparagopsis effective in beef feedlot settings
2021
• Two peer-reviewed studies find long-term applications to be effective
• Sensory testing shows Asparagopsis-fed beef is tasty and high-quality
• First licenses granted to companies in Australia and USA
2022
• Licenses granted to 7 companies in 4 countries
• FutureFeed files new patent for Asparagopsis-oil
• FutureFeed wins Australian Financial Review Sustainability Leaders Award
• 6 new peer-reviewed studies published
2023
• Asparagopsis-oil successfully trialed in beef and dairy feedlot systems
• Large-herd trial shows productivity gains of Asparagopsis for beef cattle
• FutureFeed wins several awards, including Bloomberg NEF Pioneers Award
2024
• Released ‘2024 Report to Industry’
• FutureFeed is identified as a 2024 Indo Pacific Climate Tech 100 company
• FutureFeed acquires new R&D facilities to grow Asparagopsis
• FutureFeed publishes 6 peer-reviewed studies supporting the efficacy, safety and productivity of Asparagopsis
The time to act is now
With an increasing focus on reducing emissions and achieving climate targets set by governments, industry, and corporations, FutureFeed is set to play a key role in helping the agricultural sector reduce enteric methane emissions and make a major impact globally.