AgriZeroNZ invests in methane-reducing tech
A US-based company developing a vaccine to reduce methane emissions in cattle has received another capital injection from New Zealand’s agriculture sector.
Headquartered in Australia, Rumin8 is developing products using a compound which reduces methane emissions in livestock. It says trials with beef cattle showed an average 82% methane reduction after consuming Rumin8’s feed additive, as well as indications of up to 5% productivity gains.
Rumin8 is aiming to develop a range of products including a feed additive, water additive, mineral supplement and slow-release capsule.
AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee says investing in companies like Rumin8 as part of its portfolio of investments aims to give New Zealand farmers access to a range of emissions reduction tools.
“New Zealand’s a relatively small market on a global scale, so our investment is critical to push New Zealand pastoral farming systems up the priority list and support companies to bring their world-leading innovations here.
“Most of our major export customers have set ambitious emissions reduction targets which cover their entire value chain, including the New Zealand farms which produce the milk and meat they buy.
“Being able to show credible progress matters to maintain our market access and reputation as a world-leading producer.”
McNee says Rumin8’s goal of developing products for grass-fed animals and its progress to date, make the company a welcome addition to AgriZeroNZ’s diverse portfolio.
David Messina says AgriZeroNZ’s investment has brought its focus on New Zealand forward several years.
“We’re now planning animal trials in New Zealand this year to support our application for regulatory approval. These trials will test the safety of the feed additive as well as its effectiveness in local conditions.”
Messina says approval for Rumin8’s initial product will help facilitate registration of other related products which are more suited to grass-fed systems.
