Milk company launches new round of grants

Farmers contracted to supply A1 protein free milk in New Zealand or Australia for use in a2MC’s products are eligible to apply.

The fund supports projects that demonstrate an integrated approach to a sustainable future and enable a positive and meaningful impact across the community and environment.

The a2 Milk Company has demonstrated its commitment to farm sustainability through the farmer grants programme since 2017. The programme began in Australia and expanded to New Zealand in 2022 and has awarded more than 65 projects totalling more than $2,170,000. These have included diverse riparian planting projects, alternative fertiliser use, diverse pasture implementation, wetland restoration and planting of trees to enhance biodiversity and provide shelter for animals.

Under this latest round of funding, the fund is seeking to allocate a further $630,000 in total, to applicants in New Zealand and Australia. Each successful application can receive funding of up to NZ$35,000 or AU$30,000.

Applications are evaluated by an independent Investment Committee comprised of experts in regenerative agriculture, soil health, animal health and wellbeing and farming systems. Evaluation is based on criteria aligned to The a2 Milk Company’s sustainability objectives and key priority areas, which include:

• Reduce on-farm greenhouse gas emissions
• Improve resilience or adapt to climate change
• Improve animal health and wellbeing
• Improve soil health and soil carbon sequestration
• Reduce effluent run-off and enhance water quality
• Increase water use efficiency
• Increase on-farm natural and indigenous biodiversity
• Adapt farm management systems to environmental challenges and opportunities
• Control and protect against invasive species
• Build sustainable communities
• Enhance employee health, safety and wellbeing
• Support people development opportunities.

Potential applicants can visit the company website for more information and to submit their application. The closing date for applications is 28 February 2025.

Jaron McVicar, a2MC’s chief legal and sustainability officer says they are thrilled to be announcing another round of funding for the a2TM Farm Sustainability Fund to advance outcomes aligned to our sustainability goals.

“It’s clear that this type of support and collaboration can be an important stimulus to investment in projects with significant benefits to the environment and communities,” he says.

“The a2TM Farm Sustainability Fund is complementary to our other investments in sustainability, including our partnership with AgriZeroNZ.”