New Zealand's primary sector gets a boost.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced an investment of $9.6 million in targeted research to reduce emissions for New Zealand's farmers, part of the Ireland-New Zealand Pilot Joint Research Initiative. The joint effort between New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland's Department of Agriculture aims to deliver practical solutions that address specific on-farm challenges.
The initiative has already shown progress in areas such as greenhouse gas inventories, low-emission livestock breeding, and emission management tools for farmers. Minister McClay highlighted the importance of collaborating with Ireland, saying it strengthens New Zealand's ability to provide tools that help its primary industries thrive in global markets. Irish Minister of State for Agriculture Martin Heydon T.D. emphasized the shared commitment to developing new climate technologies through collaborative work.
The additional $9.6 million brings the total investment in agricultural research to over $35 million, demonstrating a continued commitment to sustainable agriculture and economic benefits for New Zealand's farmers on the world stage.