26 September 2025
AgriZeroNZ is investing a further USD $3.5 million (approx. NZD $5.9 million) in ArkeaBio, one of the leaders in the global race to develop a methane vaccine for livestock.
The Boston-based agricultural bioscience company is the first to have demonstrated methane reduction in cattle from a vaccine.
AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee says its follow-on investment recognises ArkeaBio’s progress and the immense opportunity for New Zealand’s pasture-based farmers.
“A vaccine has the potential to reduce agricultural emissions at scale by providing a low cost, high-impact solution for a range of farming systems,” says McNee.
“As an export-reliant country, New Zealand farms need to stay ahead of the curve and step up to the challenge of meeting the global demand for climate action.
Wayne McNee, AgriZeroNZ chief executive
Since AgriZeroNZ’s initial investment of USD $6M in 2024, ArkeaBio has made significant scientific progress.
The company’s been working with researchers at Texas A&M University, with trials showing ArkeaBio’s vaccine successfully reduces methane emissions from cattle. The vaccine works by stimulating a cow’s immune system to produce natural antibodies that neutralise methane-producing microbes in the rumen (a part of the stomach).
Newly-appointed CEO Frank Wooten says the team has advanced to a second-generation vaccine formulation, focusing on increasing commercial viability and animal productivity.
“With our vaccine advancing toward real-world deployment, we’re focused on delivering measurable emissions reductions, as well as tangible value to farmers and producers worldwide.”
Wooten says the company is aiming to produce a vaccine that’s effective for 6 months or more and is on track to achieve its target methane reduction of 20%.
The Series A1 funding round was co-led by AgriZeroNZ and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a US fund with US $3.5 billion in committed capital. ArkeaBio’s strong progress resulted in an increased company valuation, boosting AgriZeroNZ’s initial investment.
Wooten says the new funding will allow ArkeaBio to continue refining its vaccine and carry out further animal trials, including its first in New Zealand.
“We’re prioritising making our vaccine available to New Zealand farmers and are hoping to launch the first product in 2028,” he says.
During visits to New Zealand, ArkeaBio has met with ministers and a range of AgriZeroNZ’s investors, including the Ministry for Primary Industries, to discuss its path to market.
"New Zealand’s special combination of public-private collaboration, and track record of agricultural innovation make it an ideal place for us to launch,” says Wooten.
Frank Wooten, ArkeaBio CEO
To date, AgriZeroNZ has invested in 14 companies and research initiatives to accelerate the development and commercialisation of tools, including Kiwi company Lucidome Bio which is also developing a methane vaccine.
“We’re backing a range of options – probiotics, inhibitors, vaccines and pastures – because we know farmers will want choices, and some early-stage ventures may not make it to the farm at all,” says Wayne McNee.
“This follow-on investment in ArkeaBio reflects AgriZeroNZ’s commitment to global collaboration and the development of practical solutions that help farmers reduce emissions and protect New Zealand’s competitive edge.”
