Athian, a pioneering livestock carbon credit marketplace, successfully completed its seed funding round with key investors including California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) and DSM Venturing. The funding will drive innovation and environmental solutions for livestock producers.
This Indianapolis-based company offers economic incentives for sustainable farming. Athian’s platform benefits global food system sustainability and reduces climate warming.
DSM Venturing is the corporate venture arm of Royal DSM, a global company in Health, Nutrition & Bioscience. CDI is the largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in California and second largest in the U.S. CDI’s investment supports the continued improvement of its environmental footprint.
Other participating investors are Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, Tyson Ventures and Newtrient LLC. Commenting on the fundraising, Athian CEO Paul Myer said:
“This announcement not only expedites our reach into international markets but also accelerates practical environmental solutions that give farmers new revenue streams and helps companies deliver on their sustainability commitments throughout the value chain.”
World’s First Carbon Credit Program for Livestock
Emissions from livestock production have become a hot issue with some countries placing restrictions on livestock farming like New Zealand. The world’s dairy leader sought to levy farmers for their cows’ carbon footprint.
Data shows that animal agriculture accounts for at least 16% of global GHG emissions, contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Methane, nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide comprise livestock’s total emissions. The first two are a lot more potent than CO2 in heating up the earth.
Livestock supply chains emit GHGs in many ways. These include methane production during animals’ digestive process, feed production, manure management, and energy consumption. Here are some important facts about livestock emissions.
Athian’s innovative approach supports the entire value chain’s sustainability commitments. Its platform rewards farmers for implementing sustainable practices that can slash the industry’s footprint.
Example of this practice is improving fertility in dairy cattle which can reduce methane emissions by up to 24%. Another is to cut emissions from enteric fermentation by changing the livestock’s diet such as introducing seaweeds. Athian helps capture and claim carbon credits earned through efforts like these.
The company monetizes greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions through the sales of carbon credits, creating value for the supply chain. This becomes more crucial with credits accounted as carbon assets under Scope 3 emissions.
Cloud-based, Industry-wide Platform
Athian’s livestock carbon credit platform is to help the beef and dairy value chains capture carbon and earn the corresponding credits for that. The company aggregates, validates, and certifies carbon reductions by livestock farmers throughout the entire value chain using software.
Its cloud-based marketplace is an industry-based analytics tool that enables the creation, banking, buying, and selling of certified carbon credits.
The latest investment round advances Athian’s entry into international markets while promoting environmental solutions that give farmers new revenue streams.
The collaboration focuses on carbon incentives and positive climate change impacts. Scott Horner and Darrin Montiero will join Athian’s Board of Directors. They will serve in an observer capacity, further strengthening the partnership.