No reason to demonise farming
OPINION: New Zealand has said it is going to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by ‘a lot’ and ‘in a short time’. One of those gases is methane. Our biggest producer of methane is livestock farming.
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.
On the eve of his departure from Federated Farmers board, Richard McIntyre is thanking farmers for their support and words of encouragement during his stint as a farmer advocate.
A project reducing strains and sprains on farm has won the Innovation category in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards 2025.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other sector organisations, has launched a national survey to understand better the impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmers.
One of New Zealand's latest and largest agrivoltaics farm Te Herenga o Te Rā is delivering clean renewable energy while preserving the land's agricultural value for sheep grazing under the modules.
Global food company Nestle’s chair Paul Bulcke will step down at its next annual meeting in April 2026.
Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at in Wellington this evening.
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