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.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through a new initiative designed to make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking easier.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.