- Total investment: $1.2 million by Government and industry via AgriZeroNZ.
- Technology: Wearable device for cows developed by Canterbury start-up Āmua.
- Emissions reduction: Up to 95% lower nitrous oxide, 93% reduction in nitrate leaching.
- Other AgriZeroNZ projects: 16 total, including methane vaccines and probiotics.
- Total AgriZeroNZ commitment: $191 million over four years.
- First equity investment into nitrous oxide mitigation by AgriZeroNZ.
- Goal: Double export value in 10 years and cut agricultural emissions.
- EcoPond pilot: Rolling out on 200 Fonterra and 50 Synlait dairy farms in 2025/26.
- Tech innovation supports ‘Going for Growth’ agenda for economic development.
Agritech Push Backs Innovation to Boost Productivity
A $1.2 million collaborative investment has been committed through AgriZeroNZ to support development of an innovative wearable device for cattle that will significantly reduce environmental harm from dairy farming. The technology, developed by Canterbury-based start-up Āmua, is capable of cutting nitrous oxide emissions by as much as 95 per cent and nitrate leaching by 93 per cent.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis highlighted the potential of this innovative design, which redistributes cow urine so that nitrogen can be better absorbed by pasture. The result is reduced fertiliser usage and enhanced grass growth, benefiting both the environment and farmers’ profit margins.
Backed by AgriZeroNZ’s Expanding Portfolio
This marks the 16th investment by AgriZeroNZ, a Government and industry-backed initiative supporting low-emission farming solutions. Over the past four years, the entity has put forward $191 million to fast-track technologies such as methane-reducing probiotics, vaccines, and improved pasture strains.
The wearable device is the first AgriZeroNZ equity-backed project targeting nitrous oxide mitigation. Other ongoing projects include methane inhibitors by Swedish and New Zealand companies, biodegradable boluses, and natural bio-additives, set to be commercially rolled out in the coming years.
Innovation Key to ‘Going For Growth’ Vision
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti emphasized that bold investments in research and development will fortify New Zealand’s agricultural sector, fostering high-value employment and future-ready markets. The focus is on fast-tracking industry solutions that can deliver measurable commercial and environmental results.
Field Visits Demonstrate Real-World Impact
Nicola Willis and Dr Reti recently toured a Canterbury dairy farm to see the Āmua wearable device in action, alongside other mitigation technologies such as EcoPond. This effluent treatment technology, developed by Agnition and Lincoln University, has proven to reduce methane from dairy effluent ponds by over 90 per cent, and is set to be piloted across 250 farms from 2025.
New Zealand continues to uphold its leadership in sustainable, pasture-based farming through such advanced agri-innovations, fostering an ecosystem that aligns environmental stewardship with export growth.