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Primary sector investment projects
Find out about projects that have been funded through the Primary Sector Growth Fund and Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures.
Your search returned 32 projects
"Nurture First”: Development of a Greenshell Mussel Spat Nursery
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 5 years
- MPI funding: $2,818,095
- Co-investment funding: $4,227,142
- Sectors: Seafood/aquatic
- Sub-sectors: Farmed - marine shellfish
- Project partners: Spat Innovations Limited Partnership
- Regions: Nationwide
- Expected outcomes: Development of new products, technology, IP, Higher-value sector growth, Improved capability, Increased R&D investment and capability, New high-value markets, Sustainable fish stocks
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Project spend to date:
$360,018 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
A key bottleneck for the Greenshell mussel industry is the low survival rates for spat (wild caught and hatchery bred) when transferred onto mussel farms. This project will explore early intervention methods in the farming lifecycle to increase spat retention rates.
Boost for mussel spat retention [PDF, 209 KB]
Quarterly progress report summaries
July to September 2025: Nurture First progress report [PDF, 79 KB]
Advancing the availability of norbormide rat toxin
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 4 years
- MPI funding: $229,197
- Co-investment funding: $387,404
- Sectors: Meat
- Sub-sectors: Poultry
- Project partners: Invasive Pest Control Limited
- Regions: Nationwide
- Expected outcomes: Development of new products, technology, IP, Increased R&D investment and capability, Reduced chemical usage where it damages the environment
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Project spend to date:
$183,358 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
Norbormide is non-persistent and highly toxic to rats. This project aims to investigate and establish the manufacturing and distribution supply chain for a norbormide-based rodenticide for domestic and international use in primary industries, conservation and residential settings.
AI-enabled tools to transform pastoral farm productivity
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 3 years
- MPI funding: $600,000
- Co-investment funding: $1,075,000
- Sectors: Agritech
- Sub-sectors: Other animal dairy products/research
- Project partners: Aimer Development Limited (Aimer Farming) with in-kind support from Ravensdown, Cropmark Seeds, Fonterra
- Regions: Nationwide, Waikato
- Expected outcomes: Climate change mitigation and prevention, Development of new products, technology, IP, Higher productivity, Higher-value sector growth, Improved capability
- Project spend to date: $25,489 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
This project aims to develop an AI Agent that will optimise net greenhouse gas emissions, productivity and profit for perennial, hybrid and annual ryegrass, clover dominant dairy and beef pastures; and support early and effective farmer decision making.
Aimer Farming secures Government co-investment in new AI tools
Blackcurrant value extraction
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 3 years
- MPI funding: $300,000
- Co-investment funding: $450,000
- Sectors: Horticulture
- Sub-sectors: Berry fruit
- Project partners: New Zealand Blackcurrant Co-operative Limited
- Regions: Canterbury
This project aims to establish New Zealand as the global leader in premium, science-validated blackcurrant health ingredients. This would transform the blackcurrant sector from a commodity supplier to an integrated industry.
Building a Premium Pathway
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 2 years
- MPI funding: $450,000
- Co-investment funding: $788,000
- Sectors: Horticulture
- Sub-sectors: Apples and pears
- Project partners: The Fresh Fruit Company of New Zealand Limited
- Regions: Nationwide
- Expected outcomes: Creation of regional employment opportunities, Increased farm gate returns, New high-value markets
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Project spend to date:
$197,527 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
Building a Premium Pathway is a strategic initiative to grow the value and visibility of New Zealand apples in the Japanese market. The project supports all New Zealand apple varieties and benefits growers nationwide by enhancing supply chain efficiency, strengthening cold storage capacity, and building long-term customer relationships.
Challenger Scallop Fishery Restoration programme
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 7 years
- MPI funding: $1,969,267
- Co-investment funding: $3,052,472
- Sectors: Seafood/aquatic
- Project partners: Talleys
- Regions: Tasman
This project seeks to rehabilitate the Southern Scallop Fishery in Tasman and Golden Bays. Led by the Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company, with iwi ownership and industry partners, the 7-year programme combines 5 integrated workstreams. These are: spat catch; on growing; seafloor stabilisation; scallop seeding and management; and research and monitoring. Using innovative, science-based methods, including shell-based habitat restoration and predator management, the project aims to restore 39 hectares within 7 years, eventually expanding to 50 hectares and becoming self-funding. Outcomes will include renewed commercial production, biodiversity gains, and cultural and recreational benefits nationwide.
Dairy Beef Opportunities
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 4 years
- MPI funding: $10,449,000
- Co-investment funding: $10,449,000
- Sectors: Meat
- Sub-sectors: Beef
- Project partners: DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Meat Industry Association, members of the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand
- Regions: Nationwide
- Expected outcomes: Development of new products, technology, IP, Genetic Improvement, Higher productivity, Higher value/lower impact land use, Higher-value sector growth, Improved capability, Improved information and insights, Improved mental health, Maintained/improved market access, New high-value markets
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Project spend to date:
$718,191 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
This programme is designed to unlock the value of non-replacement dairy calves – those not needed to replenish dairy herds or already entering dairy-beef systems – by developing innovative, New Zealand-focused approaches that suit the country’s seasonal, pasture-based farming system. It focuses on 3 key areas: improving efficiency through genetics and systems; supporting smarter breeding and lactation strategies; and developing new pathways and value chains.
Dairy and beef sectors welcome Government investment in Dairy Beef Opportunities programme
Dairy Beef Opportunities - programme webpage
Quarterly progress report summaries
April 2026 to June 2026: Dairy Beef Opportunities progress report [PDF, 172 KB]
Establishing a Bioproducts Contract Manufacturing Facility in New Zealand
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 3 years
- MPI funding: $1,635,500
- Co-investment funding: $3,062,430
- Sectors: Horticulture
- Sub-sectors: Other fruit/fruit products, Other vegetables/vegetable products
- Project partners: BioSouth Limited
- Regions: Canterbury
- Expected outcomes: Effective mitigation of pests and diseases, Higher-value sector growth, Improved capability, Improved waste management, Increased R&D investment and capability
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Project spend to date:
$273,439 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
This project aims to develop pilot scale production systems for bioproducts derived from microbial fermentation. This will take place at a contract manufacturing facility, which BioSouth Limited will establish with industry partners. The project will involve testing processes and finding ways to produce commercial volumes of bioproducts for primary industry markets in New Zealand and around the world.
Large-scale bioproducts manufacturing one step closer in New Zealand [PDF, 207 KB]
Establishing a Viable Supply Chain for Asparagopsis Armata in New Zealand
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Completed date:
- MPI funding: $228,581
- Co-investment funding: $369,257
- Sectors: Meat, Seafood/aquatic
- Project partners: Cawthron Institute
- Regions: Tasman
This project advanced New Zealand’s capability to cultivate Asparagopsis armata as a methane-reducing livestock feed supplement. It demonstrated successful sea and land-based production systems, achieved key steps toward closing the species’ life cycle, scaled cultured biomass production, and identified practical methods to significantly increase bromoform concentrations, improving the commercial potential of a future domestic supply chain. The project concluded early as Cawthron’s agreed co-funder was no longer in the position to contribute funding.
Expanding the Pure Food system to nourish the world’s seniors
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 3 years
- MPI funding: $1,843,650
- Co-investment funding: $2,765,476
- Sectors: Food and beverage products
- Project partners: The Pure Food Co Limited
- Regions: Auckland
This project aims to extend nutritional support beyond the 10% of aged care residents requiring texture-modified food, delivering tailored, fortified meals to a broader senior population. It will expand the Pure Food System across aged care, healthcare, and home care settings in New Zealand and Australia, and establish a platform for entry into additional international markets.
Forest hydrology toolbox: effective user-friendly tools
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 2 years
- MPI funding: $262,525
- Co-investment funding: $394,000
- Sectors: Forestry
- Project partners: Forest Growers Research Ltd, Otago Regional Council, Waikato Regional Council, Horizons Regional Council, Tararua District Council, City Forests, Port Blakely, Rayonier Matariki, Bio-economy Science Institute
- Regions: Nationwide
- Expected outcomes: Improved information and insights
This project will develop a user-friendly toolbox that translates complex scientific results and data on forest hydrology into usable and relevant information for stakeholders. This will contribute towards sustainable and resilient land use planning and water allocation.
Future-proofing the forestry industry - Red Needle Cast
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 4 years
- MPI funding: $477,493
- Co-investment funding: $821,489
- Sectors: Forestry
- Sub-sectors: Commercial forestry
- Project partners: Radiata Pine Breeding Company
- Regions: Nationwide
- Expected outcomes: Development of new products, technology, IP, Genetic Improvement, Reduced chemical usage where it damages the environment
- Project spend to date: $100,106 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
This project is exploring a non-chemical solution to combat Red Needle Cast, a damaging disease affecting Radiata Pine.
Non-chemical disease control research to futureproof forestry sector [PDF, 304 KB]
Hypoallergenic Ingredient Research and Development for CMPA
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 4 years
- MPI funding: $250,000
- Co-investment funding: $375,000
- Sectors: Dairy
- Sub-sectors: Cow dairy products
- Project partners: Tatua Co-Operative Dairy Company Limited
- Regions: Waikato
- Expected outcomes: Creation of regional employment opportunities, Development of new products, technology, IP, Higher-value sector growth, Increased R&D investment and capability, Maintained/improved market access
- Project spend to date: $91,149 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
This project aims to develop new ingredients that are safe and effective for people with food allergies, specifically cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). It will assess new hydrolysed whey protein ingredients for use in CMPA applications.
Integrated weed management in a world of herbicide resistance
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 4 years
- MPI funding: $870,152
- Co-investment funding: $1,819,285
- Sectors: Arable, Horticulture
- Project partners: Foundation for Arable Research Incorporated, Seed Industry Research Council, Horticulture NZ Vegetable Research and Innovation Board, arable farmers, chemical companies (Bayer, PGG Wrightson Seeds)
- Regions: Nationwide
- Project spend to date: $66,356 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
This project aims to equip arable and vegetable cropping farmers and industry stakeholders with reliable, up-to-date information, tools, and strategies for integrated weed management. This sustainable approach will help farm businesses maintain market access and profitability, and reduce the risk of herbicide resistance.
Kiwifruit Postharvest Industry Refrigerant Decarbonisation
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 3 years
- MPI funding: $700,000
- Co-investment funding: $1,050,000
- Sectors: Horticulture
- Sub-sectors: Kiwifruit
- Project partners: Trevelyans Pack and Cool Limited; DMS Progrowers Limited; Apata Group Limited; Seeka Limited; Hume Pack-n-Cool Limited; Deta Consulting Limited
- Regions: Bay of Plenty
- Expected outcomes: Climate change mitigation and prevention, Improved information and insights, Maintained/improved market access, Reduced emissions, Reduced production costs
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Project spend to date:
$606,701 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
This project will carry out a trial of the most effective replacements for the highest global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and assess options for leak detection and prevention.
Kiwifruit Post-Harvest Industry decarbonisation technical report
LeaderBrand LaserTech Project
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 2 years
- MPI funding: $489,375
- Co-investment funding: $734,064
- Sectors: Horticulture
- Sub-sectors: Other vegetables/vegetable products
- Project partners: LeaderBrand Produce Limited
- Regions: Gisborne
- Expected outcomes: Development of new products, technology, IP, Higher value/lower impact land use, Improved capability, Improved waste management, Reduced chemical usage where it damages the environment
- Project spend to date: $95,297 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
This project will trial Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder technology to control weeds in LeaderBrand crops. The LaserWeeder uses advanced cameras, artificial intelligence, and precision lasers to eliminate weeds without chemicals, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. By reducing labour needs, lowering input costs, and minimising waste and environmental impact, the technology has strong potential to improve overall crop quality and efficiency.
Throughout the trial, the project will collect robust data on performance, costs, and return on investment. The results will be shared with the wider industry to help New Zealand growers make informed decisions about adopting laser‑weeding technology.
Livestock Innovation Farming Transformation (LIFT)
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 5 years
- MPI funding: $3,550,000
- Co-investment funding: $4,920,000
- Sectors: Meat
- Sub-sectors: Beef, Sheepmeat (including lamb)
- Project partners: Pāmu, Silver Fern Farms, ANZCO, Beef + Lamb NZ, ASB, Halter, AgFirst, BakerAg, FarmIQ, and One NZ, with wider engagement, including from iwi and regional councils
- Regions: Nationwide
Commercial pilot farms are being established across several regions to show how mixed beef and sheep production and profitability can grow while maintaining or improving ecosystem health. Key project work will include modelling land use potential, developing a model to support technology adoption, and collecting and analysing environmental and performance data.
Low Carbon, High Value Beef Supply Chain
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 3 years
- MPI funding: $449,726
- Co-investment funding: $674,588
- Sectors: Dairy, Meat
- Sub-sectors: Beef, Cow dairy products
- Project partners: Rissington Farms Limited, Taylor Preston, Southern Pastures
- Regions: Hawke's Bay
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Project spend to date:
$94,667 (MPI contribution as at 30 June 2026)
This project is developing a premium, low‑carbon beef programme that draws from both specialist beef herds and New Zealand’s dairy‑beef supply. It aims to validate production methods and build a strong consumer‑facing brand, creating high‑quality, environmentally responsible beef products.
Managing Lactococcus petauri in freshwater King salmon farming
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 3.5 years
- MPI funding: $312,000
- Co-investment funding: $468,000
- Sectors: Seafood/aquatic
- Sub-sectors: Land-based - finfish
- Project partners: Mount Cook Alpine Salmon Limited
- Regions: Otago
- Expected outcomes: Effective mitigation of pests and diseases, Maintained/improved market access
The project aims to develop a treatment for Lactococcus petauri, a bacteria causing losses in New Zealand salmon farming. It will lead to improved fish health, reduced fish mortality, and increased productivity. The project will characterise Lactococcus strains, and use local bacteriophages (a virus that infects bacteria) to target the strain. The bacteriophages can be integrated into feed, helping to protect farmed fish.
Marlborough Circular Wine Programme
- Fund name: Primary Sector Growth Fund
- Project start date:
- Project length: 2 years
- MPI funding: $2,794,070
- Co-investment funding: $4,191,106
- Sectors: Horticulture
- Sub-sectors: Viticulture
- Project partners: New Zealand Winegrowers
- Regions: Marlborough
- Expected outcomes: Agility to respond rapidly to changing needs, Climate change mitigation and prevention, Development of new products, technology, IP, Higher value/lower impact land use, Improved soil quality, Improved waste management, Improved water quality, Managing and coping effectively with the impact of climate change, Reduced emissions, Reduced production costs
This project aims to create a circular system that transforms winery waste into value-added soil products for vineyards. The project will test, validate, and refine processes that improve soil health, reduce waste and emissions, and support more sustainable winegrowing practices.