Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures projects

This project aims to accelerate the development of the North American retail and direct to consumer markets for New Zealand venison. The project will enable New Zealand producers to connect more closely with venison consumers, using retail channels to diversify away from a historic reliance on the food service sector. It will also enable the industry to tell its story to our consumers, highlighting the sustainable farming systems we use and building a general awareness of New Zealand grass-fed venison.

North American retail accelerator a go

October 2024 to December 2024 - North American Retail Accelerator progress report [PDF, 70 KB]

Two geothermal microorganisms can be used together to convert carbon dioxide and methane into a protein-rich biomass. This project aims to produce a commercially viable, low-carbon biofeedstock using indigenous geothermal resources. It will focus on optimising operating conditions and improving yields at pilot scale. The project will also evaluate target markets, product requirements and commercialisation pathways. 

Novel Biofeedstocks using Geothermal Resources – Upflow

This project aims to evaluate the feasibility of combining geothermal heat, direct air capture of CO₂ and modular electricity to support growth of sustainable food sources in indoor cropping systems. The key deliverable will be a concept design for a ‘Geothermal Food System’.

This project aims to develop and test eDNA technology for use in detecting effects of salmon farming on reef systems.

This project aims to develop, design, test, and manufacture a sustained pain relief system to be used during elastration of lambs during tail docking and castration. The elastrator system will seek to provide analgesia within 2-5 minutes after injection and last for 24 hours via sustained delivery of a local anaesthetic (lignocaine).

The project will develop two woollen acoustic product systems from strong wool, which will be made in New Zealand. This will diversify the material selection within the acoustic panelling market. A life cycle analysis will assist the development of a circular product range. This will ensure products can be broken down and re-used or re-engineered at the end of their lives.

This project aims to foster an environment which encourages and recognises women’s participation in the horticulture industry at all levels, from entry to leadership. It will create networking and connecting opportunities, such as workshops and professional development sessions.

Government backs women in horticulture

Sign up to Women in Horticulture – United Fresh

This project aims to transform fish waste into high-value consumer products. It will include work on consumer research, the selection of third-party manufacturers, formulation development, packaging development, distribution options, and export market selection.

Sealord to receive multi-million dollar funding boost from government - Sealord

This project aims to create a pilot processing facility that can produce cost-effective medicinal grade dried cannabis flower products for New Zealand and international markets.

This programme seeks to increase wine production and exports and improve the profitability of New Zealand's premium-earning wines. It aims to generate a step change in vineyard productivity without compromising wine quality or the environment.

Media releases

Government partnership boosting vineyard productivity – Beehive

Quarterly progress report summaries

October to December 2024 – Next Generation Viticulture progress report [PDF, 83 KB]

July to September 2024 – Next Generation Viticulture progress report [PDF, 108 KB]

This project aims to accelerate the commercialisation of a high-value coffee alternative, and other related products using species from the native plant family Coprosma. The project will combine mātauranga Māori with modern scientific analysis, to develop a new export industry for New Zealand. It will include product development, food safety and market research, compositional analysis, and a Coprosma breeding and growing programme.

This project aims to improve the health, welfare and productivity of dairy cows across New Zealand.  It will develop new disease prevention treatments to reduce the incidence or severity of milk fever (hypocalcaemia) and mastitis in transition cows.

PharmaZen developed a process to extract and concentrate anthocyanins from blackcurrant juice and pomace. The project finished early, as PharmaZen was no longer in a position to contribute the co-funding required to scale up further.

Northland Inc will assist landowners (including iwi and Māori based entities) to identify optimal future-focused land uses. This includes adapting current operations to cope with sector challenges and climate change. The project will conduct detailed market analysis for the top 6-10 opportunities. It will also identify 3-5 sector projects and work with the landowners on finding further investment and commercialisation.

Regional agencies plough for new land uses - Farmers Weekly

This project will work with landowners and Landcare Research to determine the commercial viability of an alternative pest management approach. It aims to provide a better value-for-money option for landowners managing rabbit populations, reduce the use of poison to benefit the environment, and increase the size of New Zealand’s pet food industry.

The project aims to validate growing systems that involve ‘stacking’ a cover crop with a cash crop in larger field trials. The project will investigate the effects on soil productivity, including reducing soil and nutrient loss. It will also examine commercial viability and develop management decision tools.

This project will investigate alternative, environmentally friendly, and sustainable methods and tools to help pipfruit growers control Bronze Beetle. This includes establishing a rearing colony of Bronze Beetle, developing and trialling new biocontrol products, and evaluating the effectiveness of a lure to attract and trap females through the use of male pheromones.

More than $1 million being invested to fund project to control bronze beetle - RNZ

This proof-of-concept project aims to create microbial protein from biomethane created through anaerobic digestion of aquaculture waste. This protein could be used as an animal feed ingredient.

This project will determine the feasibility and commercial viability of diversifying Gisborne Fisheries’ fishing operations to include potting as a harvesting method. The target species are Snapper and Tarakihi. The project will determine any value-add, and scope for expansion of potting operations in the future.

This project will develop a scalable waste-to-value treatment process for mussel shell waste that advances the processing systems developed in phase one. EDL’s mechanochemical grinding technology will be used to eliminate waste and create a circular economy for mussel shells, transforming them into calcium carbonate products for use across industry sectors.