The centre will help lower agricultural emissions
The Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions plays a key role in efforts to lower New Zealand's agricultural emissions.
Budget 2022 allocated $338.7 million over 4 years to strengthen the role of research and development in getting new tools and technology to reduce on-farm emissions to farmers quicker.
It includes a new public-private partnership (joint venture) and an enhanced New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.
As part of the joint venture the Government will work alongside agri-business leaders ANZCO Foods, Fonterra, Rabobank, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms and Synlait.
Partners have made an indicative funding commitment that will rise to around $35 million a year by 2025. This will be matched by the Government and will see around $170 million invested over the next 4 years.
Government partners with industry to reduce agricultural emissions – Government media release
The new centre will also:
- unite efforts to accelerate research and development
- get new tools, technology, and practices to lower on-farm emissions to farmers faster
- complement the work being done through the He Waka Eke Noa partnership
- include mātauranga-based approaches to support whenua Māori owners with climate change mitigation.
Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions website
Why extra support is needed
Agriculture contributes 50% of New Zealand's gross greenhouse gas emissions. Around 91% of our biogenic methane emissions are from agriculture.
Agriculture needs to contribute to meeting our climate goals.
It's important for the long-term economic and social resilience of our rural communities that the right tools, technology, and support are in place to enable producers to make changes that reduce their biological emissions.
Partnership to reduce agricultural emissions – Government media release (16 May 2022)
Who to contact
If you have questions about the Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions, email info@mpi.govt.nz
