Methane campaign is 100% politics
OPINION: We are endlessly told that livestock are responsible for half of New Zealand's total emissions.
Lucidome Bio, a New Zealand agricultural biotech company was recently selected as one of fourteen global finalists to pitch at the Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation USA event in Boston.
The company was established by AgriZeroNZ, with the New Zealand Greenhouse Gas Research Centre and the New Zealand government.
Lucidome Bio has invented a vaccine aimed to trigger an animal’s immune system to produce antibodies in saliva that suppress the activity of methane-producing microbes in the rumen.
These microbes are responsible for the majority of methane emitted through livestock burps, a significant contributor to climate change.
Lucidome Bio chairman Bridgit Hawkins says that a vaccine that reduces methane would be transformative for farmers across the globe.
“What we’re developing has the potential to fundamentally shift how livestock emissions are managed – offering farmers a practical, cost-effective tool that doesn’t compromise productivity,” Hawkins says.
“It’s a solution that works with nature, not against it,” she says. “Being recognised on a global stage affirms not just the calibre of New Zealand science but the urgency and relevance of what we’re building.”
“It isn’t innovation for innovation’s sake – it’s a critical lever for climate action in agriculture and we’re proud to be leading from the front.”
Meanwhile, Lucidome Bio chief executive David Aitken says that as a nation globally renowned for agricultural excellence and innovation, it is fitting that New Zealand would be stepping onto the world stage with a breakthrough that could help shape the future of farming.
“Lucidome Bio’s selection as a global finalist is more than a recognition of scientific achievement; it’s a signal that New Zealand is leading the charge in practical climate solutions for agriculture,” Aitken says.
“Lucidome Bio is proud to represent the strength of Kiwi science, the power of partnership, and the potential of a vaccine that could transform farming systems around the globe,” he concludes.
Independent Waikato milk processor Tatua has set another new record for conventional farmgate milk price paid to New Zealand farmers.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
An early adopter of a 10-in-7 variable milking regime, the Lincoln University Demonstration Dairy Farm (LUDF) is tweaking the system this season in search of further boosting farm performance and profitability.
The dairy sector is in a relatively stable position, with strong milk price payout forecasts continuing to offset ongoing high farm costs, according to DairyNZ.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Fonterra has delivered a fifth straight year of record organic milk price for farmer suppliers.
OPINION: Dairy industry players are also falling by the wayside as the economic downturn bites around the country.
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first…