APHANZ members want the current review of the approval path for new products to result in a trusted process and right touch regulation that balances all the risks.
To help farmers meet the challenge of reducing methane emissions, it’s important they have access to improved animal health products as healthy animals generally produce less methane. Beyond this, there are innovations that inhibit nitrogen production and have potential to significantly reduce methane emissions.
AgriZeroNZ agrees it’s crucial that there is fit-for-purpose regulation for methane and nitrous oxide inhibitors to help New Zealand farmers reduce emissions – and meet increasing demands from our major global customers.
Since it was established in early 2023 AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture between major agribusiness companies and government, has committed more than $38 million across its investment portfolio which includes a methane inhibiting bolus, novel probiotics, low-emissions pasture as well as two methane vaccine research projects.
“Our ambition is to support a 30% reduction in biogenic methane and nitrous oxide emissions by 2030 and enable development and adoption of solutions to drive towards near zero by 2040,” says AgriZeroNZ Head of Strategy and Engagement Ruth Leary.
“There needs to be at least two or three proven tools and technologies in widespread use by 2030 to meet this ambition. That’s what we’re working to deliver.”
AgriZeroNZ is backing two vaccine research projects, one is Lucidome Bio, a new venture it established this year to spearhead the next phase of New Zealand’s own pioneering methane vaccine research and bring this solution to market. It’s also invested in US ag-biotech start-up ArkeaBio, to accelerate its development of a methane vaccine for ruminant animals, with an initial focus on cattle.
“A vaccine has the potential to be a low-cost, high-impact tool which can be used on a mass scale and is ideal for New Zealand’s pastoral farming system where vaccination is already commonly used to support animal health,” says Ruth.
As well as scanning the world for innovative solutions to back and bring to market, AgriZeroNZ is working with the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to support the clarification and streamlining of regulations to ensure these types of tools can be used here once they’re available.
There is a lot at stake, particularly with New Zealand’s global customers driving the pace and expectation of emissions reduction progress by 2030.
“Some of our global customers, who pay a premium for our high-quality grass-fed milk and meat products, are pushing deep into their supply chains to get emissions reductions, with ambitious, science-based scope 3 targets,” says Ruth.
“It’s increasingly a main concern when they meet with their suppliers, including our New Zealand processors. They want proof and progress of emissions reductions in the products within their supply chain. We don’t have a long window to get these products into market and used by farmers.”
However, there are challenges getting these products and inhibitors through New Zealand’s approval process, with many requiring registration under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act (ACVM).
Due to the registration requirements, cost of trials and New Zealand’s relatively small market, many companies developing inhibitors are prioritising commercialising their products in other countries, says Ruth.
For example, Bovaer®, a feed additive that reduces enteric methane emissions, has been authorised and is available for sale in 68 countries, including some of New Zealand’s key trade competitors such as the EU, but is currently not available in New Zealand.
AgriZeroNZ believes there is room to safely streamline New Zealand’s regulations to allow New Zealand farmers access to inhibitors.
“We support the regulation of inhibitors that mitigate risk to the export of our primary sector products, however regulation needs to balance risk with benefits. Food safety must be a priority, but access to new emission tools must also be a priority,” says Ruth.
AgriZeroNZ has made a submission and had follow-up engagement with the Ministry for Regulation on its regulatory review looking at products regulated under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act (ACVM) 1997, and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 to recommend improvements to address challenges faced by industry.
“Getting these tools into farmers’ hands is critical for New Zealand to meet our global customer targets, protect trade agreements and support the country's climate goals,” says Ruth.
