Thursday, 28 July 2022 14:59

New investment aims to boost soil and freshwater health

Written by  Staff Reporters
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor

The Government is co-investing in a $22 million programme aimed at reducing agricultural greenhouse gases and nitrate leaching, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has announced.

The Government has committed $7.3 million over the course of seven years to the N-Vision NZ programme through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund, O’Connor says.

He says the programme focuses on three technology streams: N-Retain, N-Test, and N-Bio Boost.

“For our future we need innovative tools and technologies to help farmers reduce nitrogen fertiliser use on pastoral farms while maintaining production and profitability.”

Ravensdown is leading the programme, and will contribute $11 million, with Lincoln University and Plant & Food Research providing research expertise.

Ravensdown and Lincoln University will contribute in-kind funding to the value of $3.8 million.

O’Connor says the products and technologies developed through the N-Vision NZ programme will be made widely available under commercial terms.

“This will ensure that the environmental and economic benefits extend to the whole of New Zealand and not just Ravensdown’s customers,” he says.

“This Government is focussed on helping farmers reduce their environmental footprint.”

O’Connor says the work aligns with the sustainability goals of the Fit for a Better World food and fibre sector roadmap.

“Partnerships like N-Vision NZ will help us meet these goals and maintain our economic strength.

“Finding new methods to take action for the health of our soils, waterways, and climate will pave the way towards a healthier future for us all.”

More like this

$10,500 for future ag leaders

The future of New Zealand’s agricultural sector grew a little brighter, with the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) now accepting applications for its scholarships through Lincoln University, offering $10,500 to up to six exceptional students who are poised to become the next leaders in the primary industries.

Featured

Fencing excellence celebrated

The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.

B+LNZ launches AI assistant for farmers

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.

National

Machinery & Products

Tech might take time

Agritech Unleashed – a one-day event held recently at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton – focused on technology as an ‘enabler’…

John Deere acquires GUSS Automation

John Deere has announced the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a globally recognised leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy,…

Fencing excellence celebrated

The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

A step too far

OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…

Save us from SAFE

OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter