Synergraze Innovates Agriculture Emissions Problem with Seaweed Solution

Cattle emissions contribute to methane emissions globally, and methane is more potent as a heat-trapping gas than carbon dioxide. These are some of the concerns posited by the Government of Canada, which has adopted ambitious climate goals.

These lofty targets won’t be hit without a major reduction in agricultural emissions, believes Alberta’s Synergraze, which is in the business of lowering cattle-based methane emissions through novel means.

“By significantly reducing methane emissions from cattle, Synergraze can assist Canada and its provinces in meeting their methane emissions reduction targets while helping farmers and consumers of meat and dairy products to become part of the solution to global warming,” stated Tamara Loiselle, founder of Synergraze, recently.

Calgary’s Synergraze is developing and commercializing a seaweed-based livestock feed additive which “dramatically reduces methane emissions from the digestive systems of cattle and other ruminants, including bison, sheep, and goats.”

Research studies have demonstrated up to 90% less enteric methane emitted from cattle that are fed seaweed-based feed supplements, according to a statement from the startup.

“This can lead to sustainable meat and milk products with a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional meat and dairy products,” notes Synergraze.

Loiselle says her company’s proprietary technology enhances the bioactivity of a variety of seaweeds. She adds that, in addition to the enteric methane reductions of its products, Synergraze’s production process also reduces GHG emissions by removing two tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for every ton of seaweed grown.

Synergraze was recently awarded $1.3 million in funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada, a federal foundation that supports Canadian companies to develop, demonstrate, and commercialize new technologies with the potential to transform Canada’s environmental and economic prosperity.

Originally from British Columbia, Loiselle graduated from the University of Alberta. She founded Synergraze in Calgary in 2020.

It is one of many Alberta-based startups innovating Canada’s clean-tech economy.