5 October 2026
Major agribusinesses, banks and Government have agreed to invest an additional $117million to equip New Zealand farmers with tools to reduce emissions, backing AgriZeroNZ to build on its momentum so far.
The new funding is on top of the $191 million previously committed to the public-private partnership, and takes the total funds raised to $308 million, with the Government continuing to match private sector contributions dollar-for-dollar.
Red meat processor and exporter Alliance and rural supplies co-op Farmlands have also joined the partnership, alongside other industry investors that jointly own 50 per cent of AgriZeroNZ: The a2 Milk Company, ANZ, ANZCO, ASB, BNZ, Fonterra, Rabobank, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms and Synlait.
AgriZeroNZ Board Chair, Rob Hewett, says it reflects both the scale of the challenge and the growing commitment from across the sector to see this work through.
“Many of our major export customers expect progress on emissions reductions across their supply chains, through to New Zealand farms. If we want to maintain New Zealand’s competitive advantage and reputation as a trusted supplier of premium food products to discerning customers around the world, we’d be wise to listen to them.
“This is too big for any one organisation to solve alone, and the collaborative support behind AgriZeroNZ shows our partners’ determination to get on with the job.
“Getting tools into farmers’ hands is critical to shift the dial on our emissions footprint and I am delighted to see this work continue.”
Chief Executive Wayne McNee (left) and Board Chair Rob Hewett
Since being established in 2023, AgriZeroNZ has been searching the world for technologies with the greatest potential for New Zealand farmers. It has now invested more than $80 million across 21 ventures, research projects and trials to accelerate the development and deployment of tools to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
Its expanding portfolio includes inhibitors, probiotics, genetics, pasture, vaccines and wearables, with some also showing potential for productivity benefits on-farm.
Chief Executive Wayne McNee says the additional funding will give AgriZeroNZ the capital to build on the momentum achieved so far and support the delivery of practical solutions to help New Zealand farmers reduce emissions while maintaining profitability and productivity.
“We’re backing some of the world’s best innovators and scientists and they need sustained support to get these new technologies through development, testing and approvals so farmers can trust they’re proven, safe and effective.
“Not every technology we invest in will succeed, that's the reality of innovation. But we’re optimistic that, with continued investment and focus, New Zealand farmers will have a range of tools to choose from by 2030.”
The first AgriZeroNZ backed tool likely to become available to farmers is a methane-inhibiting bolus developed by Kiwi company Ruminant Biotech. AgriZeroNZ has invested $5.8 million in the company so far. The bolus is currently undergoing regulatory approval.
Hewett has welcomed Alliance and Farmlands to the partnership, saying it further strengthens AgriZeroNZ's reach with farmers and global markets.
Farmlands is New Zealand's largest rural supplies co-operative with more than 80,000 shareholders, while Alliance has deep roots in farming communities and is one of the country's leading red meat processors and exporters.
“Together, the AgriZeroNZ partners represent the vast majority of New Zealand's dairy and red meat sectors, with strong links right through the supply chain.
“There's real power in having more of the sector around the table, alongside Government. It helps drive this work forward and ensure we're backing solutions that work for farmers and align with where markets are heading,” says Hewett.
