Russia’s dairy industry starts using food waste as animal feed under new regulations, potentially lowering feed costs and tackling food waste. MegaMix Center and Plekhanov University lead the initiative, though industry experts remain cautious about regulatory and compliance challenges.
The Russian dairy industry is set to experience significant changes with the new regulation allowing food waste to be used as animal feed. This regulation, effective from September 1, 2024, aims to tackle food waste while potentially reducing feed costs for dairy farmers. The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s livestock sector.
The Russian government estimates that approximately 700,000 tonnes of food waste annually could be repurposed for animal feed. This includes expired or spoiled food products. The new regulation, which has been a topic of discussion since 2020, was officially approved by the Russian Agricultural Ministry in December 2023.
Innovative Approach to Feed
A pioneering initiative from Plekhanov University in March 2023 involved creating animal feed from food waste, incorporating ingredients like squid, pollock, white bread, apples, and cabbage. This research has set the stage for feed manufacturers to explore the use of food waste in animal rations.
Arseniy Vlasov, CEO of MegaMix Center, a leading Russian feed premix manufacturer, supports the initiative. He believes that using food waste could ultimately lower livestock production costs, benefiting consumers. MegaMix Center, known for its expertise in feed premixes, is expected to play a key role in implementing these new practices.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the potential benefits, the adoption of food waste as feed is not without controversy. The feed industry has expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of the new regulation. Vladimir Manaenkov, General Director of the Feed Manufacturers Association of the Eurasia Economic Union, has raised concerns about the compliance challenges and high costs associated with ensuring food waste meets sanitary regulations.
The new rules require rigorous testing for bacterial contamination and other safety parameters. Manufacturers will need to ensure that the food waste used in feed is free from pathogens and meets quality standards.
As the Russian dairy industry navigates this regulatory shift, the impact on feed costs and livestock health will be closely monitored. The successful implementation of this initiative could set a precedent for how food waste is managed in agriculture, with potential benefits for both the environment and the economy.
