The Norwegian government has awarded NOK 218 million (USD 21 million) to 19 research projects aimed at developing new solutions that promote the use of sustainable raw materials in Norwegian feed production, improve animal welfare for livestock and fish, and enhance the management of environmental toxins in agricultural areas.
“Research is vital for both food security and animal welfare. Norway has strong research communities that, together with industry practitioners, help ensure public confidence and create value from our natural resources,” said Minister of Agriculture and Food Nils Kristen Sandtrøen.
The funding supports Norway’s newly launched national mission on sustainable feed, which sets the goal that by 2034, all feed used in livestock and aquaculture will come from sustainable sources and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in food systems.
Seven of the funded projects will focus specifically on developing sustainable feed ingredients for farmed fish and livestock.
Among the funded projects, researchers at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) will receive NOK 12 million (USD 1.19 million) to explore how poultry feathers can be converted into highly digestible protein for feed, providing a nutrient-rich and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional sources. Another NMBU project, also supported with NOK 12 million, will develop methods for producing protein-rich microbial biomass from methanol as a substitute for imported feed ingredients. The goal is to use single-cell protein in salmon and poultry feeds, easing pressure on marine and land-based resources.
Other projects will focus on developing innovative oil alternatives to fish oil, improving salmon health through copepod-based feeds, upcycling fish sludge into feed ingredients, enhancing yeast-based proteins, and studying consumer attitudes toward sustainable feed materials in Norwegian aquaculture.
“We need more research to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure security in an increasingly uncertain world—especially when it comes to sustainable and safe food and feed production,” said Mari Sundli Tveit, CEO of the Research Council of Norway. “I look forward to following these projects.”
Check out here the list of projects.
