The New Zealand government is taking a proactive approach to boosting farm productivity and sustainability with the rollout of the ‘Science for Farmers’ initiative.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has announced that the program will be introduced at key agricultural events across the country, starting with Dargaville, Wānaka, Feilding, and Kirwee over the next two months.
Bringing Science to the Farm
The ‘Science for Farmers’ initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry for Primary Industries’ On Farm Support service and leading research institutions, including AgResearch, AgriZeroNZ, LIC, Massey University, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.
Farmers will gain access to expert advice on:
- Alternative pasture systems to enhance resilience in a changing climate.
- Advanced genetics that boost productivity while meeting emissions targets.
- On-farm management techniques designed to improve profitability and business resilience.
Driving Productivity and Sustainability
According to McClay, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to lifting rural productivity, creating jobs, and unlocking New Zealand’s agricultural potential.
“Small steps can make a big difference. Every extra kilo of milksolids, kg of meat or wool, and extra tray of fruit we produce through innovation and science, puts more money into the pockets of rural New Zealand and helps achieve our goal of doubling the value of exports within 10 years,”
says McClay.
The Economic and Environmental Imperative
- Economic Backbone: The primary sector accounts for over 80% of New Zealand’s goods exports and provides direct employment to more than 359,000 people.
- Emissions Challenge: Agriculture contributes 50% of the country’s total emissions, including nitrous oxide and biogenic methane.
- Farmer Preparedness: As of December 2021, 61% of surveyed farms were aware of their total annual on-farm emissions, and by January 2022, 21% had a formal emissions management plan.
Government Targets and Investment
| Initiative | Target Completion Date | Progress & Investments |
|---|---|---|
| Farms tracking emissions | December 31, 2022 | 61% of farms reporting |
| Farm-level emissions plans | January 1, 2025 | 21% currently have plans |
| Research collaboration with Ireland | Ongoing | €5.2M for emissions projects |
| Investment in emission-reducing tech | Over four years | NZ$400M allocated |
What’s Next for New Zealand Agriculture?
With the ‘Science for Farmers’ program expanding across the country, farmers will have greater access to practical, research-backed solutions to enhance productivity while meeting sustainability goals.
By fostering direct connections between scientists and farmers, the government aims to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge innovations that strengthen rural economies and position New Zealand as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
As the initiative unfolds, industry leaders and policymakers will be closely monitoring its impact on farm efficiency, environmental outcomes, and economic growth.
Sources: New Zealand Government.
