Thursday, 16 November 2023 08:55

Ag emissions reduction JV confirms McNee as CEO

Written by  Staff Reporters
Wayne McNee was initially appointed the JV’s interim executive director to support its establishment after being instrumental in setting up the worldfirst public-private partnership. Wayne McNee was initially appointed the JV’s interim executive director to support its establishment after being instrumental in setting up the worldfirst public-private partnership.

AgrizeroNZ, the public- private joint venture helping farmers reduce their emissions, has appointed Wayne McNee as its chief executive.

Major agribusiness companies ANZCO, Fonterra, Rabobank, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms and Synlait own 50% of AgriZeroNZ, with the other half owned by the Crown through the Ministry for Primary Industries. It was setup to deliver a step-change in investment aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of emissions reduction tools for farmers.

McNee was initially appointed the JV’s interim executive director to support its establishment after being instrumental in setting up the world-first public-private partnership, says Sir Brian Roche KNZM, AgriZeroNZ board chair.

“The board is pleased to appoint Wayne as chief executive to lead the company through its next stage of development, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and relationships across the agricultural sector and the broader market.

“The appointment will provide much needed certainty as we approach the important and challenging task of getting affordable and effective emission reductions tools into farmers’ hands,” said Roche.

McNee says he is excited to take AgriZeroNZ forward beyond its start-up phase and address the critical challenge of reducing emissions from ruminant animals in New Zealand pastoral farming.

“AgriZeroNZ is unique because of the breadth of its sector expertise and commercial focus, along with our collective ambition and advocacy to help farmers reduce their emissions while maintaining profitability.

“We have a great Board and supportive shareholders committed to this long-term partnership, and I look forward to working with them, other funders, the Government, and the companies we are investing in, to get tools into farmers’ hands and deliver on our ambition to reduce agricultural emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.”

McNee says agriculture is the backbone of the New Zealand economy, but global customers of our milk and meat products are setting ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets which means New Zealand farmers will need to reduce emissions over time.

“AgriZeroNZ is committed to getting farmers the tools they need to meet the targets of our international customers, so they can continue to be the backbone of our economy, help New Zealand achieve its climate goals and lead the way in sustainable pasture-based farming.”

Funding to the JV from agribusiness shareholders is being matched by the Government dollar- for-dollar, to provide around $165 million for the JV’s first four years to 2026.

Since being stood up eight months ago, AgriZeroNZ has made four high-impact investments to bring emissions reduction tools to the market for New Zealand farmers worth over $12 million. Other board members are Jessie Chan, Sir Neville Jordan, Greg Murison, and Fraser Whineray.

More like this

Hewett appointed AgriZeroNZ chair

Rob Hewett has been appointed the new chair of AgriZeroNZ, the public-private partnership designed to accelerate the development of tools to help Kiwi farmers reduce emissions.

Extra funding for methane inhibitor

A methane inhibiting bolus specifically suited to New Zealand's pastoral farming system is awaiting regulatory approval for a launch late next year.

Daffodil extract to block methane?

An extract from the humble daffodil will be put to the test in New Zealand after UK research discovered its potential to cut methane emissions from livestock.

Featured

ANZCO Foods' net profit plunges

Meat processor ANZCO Foods’ net profit has plunged on the back of lower market returns which squeezed margins and impacted business performance.

Editorial: Forest for the trees?

OPINION: Most people will be aware of the Government's plans to boost coal, oil and gas production to meet energy requirements.

Protest planned outside dairy awards venue

As the dairy industry prepares to celebrate its top achievers at an awards night this Saturday, attendees are being warned to be aware of protests planned outside the venue – Baypark Arena, Mount Mauganaui.

National

Machinery & Products

Gongs for best field days site

Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Less hot air

OPINION: Farmers won't get any credit for this from the daily media, so Milking It is giving the bouquets where…

Dollars go offshore

OPINION: The Advertising Standards Authority’s 2024 report revealed that not only is social media rotting our brains, it is also…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter