The European Commission has agreed to fund $1.78 million for the LIFE Laser Fence project, a collaboration between Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), the Bird Control Group and partners in the U.K. and Spain. The LIFE Laser Fence is a humane project to safeguard farms against unwanted animals and replace harmful chemical poisons. Within a timespan of three years and a budget of €3 million ($3.3 million), the aim is to eliminate rodenticide use, decrease crop losses by half and create awareness for the negative effects of chemicals and their impacts on the environment in Europe. “There is a strong European desire to eliminate poisons entirely,” said Dr. Alex Mason at LJMU, project leader of LIFE Laser Fence. “Coming up with a solution that fits both national and European policies means massive impact for the European economy and environment. Here we can experiment with new techniques and test on a larger scale for even more potential.” The project runs through December 31, 2019.