AgriZeroNZ Partners with BioLumic to Develop Low-Emissions Pasture Solutions

Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Investment: AgriZeroNZ is investing up to $5 million in BioLumic, a biotech company that uses UV light treatments to enhance plant growth and resilience.
2. Targeted Development: The funds will be used to adapt BioLumic’s technology for ryegrass, aiming to increase its lipid content to reduce methane emissions from grazing animals.
3. Emissions Reduction Goals: This initiative aligns with New Zealand’s climate goals to lower greenhouse gases and supports the sustainability mandates of global trade.
4. Scientific Innovation: BioLumic’s UV light treatment has shown promising results in increasing plant yield and quality across various crops, and it is now being applied to ryegrass.
5. Future Outlook: BioLumic aims for widespread adoption of its enhanced ryegrass by 2027, anticipating regulatory support due to the technology’s noninvasive nature.

Overview of the Partnership

AgriZeroNZ’s Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture focused on accelerating the adoption of emissions reduction technologies for farmers, has announced a significant investment in BioLumic. With an injection of up to $5 million, this collaboration aims to leverage BioLumic’s proprietary UV light treatment technology to develop a low-emissions ryegrass. This effort is part of a broader strategy to meet New Zealand’s stringent climate targets and the growing global demand for sustainable agricultural practices.

BioLumic’s UV Technology and Its Impacts

Innovative Approach to Crop Enhancement BioLumic’s technology utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light to manipulate the genetic expression of plants, unlocking their potential for higher yield and better resistance to diseases. “We’ve developed light recipes from billions of potential options that, with a precise application, can significantly increase plant performance across a range of crop varieties and growing conditions,” explained Dr. Jason Wargent, founder and Chief Science Officer at BioLumic.

Promising Developments in Ryegrass The application of this technology to ryegrass aims to enhance the lipid content in plants, which has been associated with reduced methane emissions from animals that consume it. Studies suggest a 1% increase in lipid content can reduce methane emissions by approximately 5%. BioLumic targets a 2-3% increase in lipid content, potentially cutting methane emissions by over 12%.

Strategic Benefits and Goals

Enhancing Farm Productivity and Sustainability Wayne McNee, Chief Executive of AgriZeroNZ, highlighted the dual benefits of this technology: “Pasture is the foundation of the business for Kiwi farmers, so a pasture solution to curb methane and boost productivity will be an important option in their toolkit to reduce emissions.”

Alignment with Global Standards The development of low-emissions ryegrass is expected to help New Zealand farmers meet local and international environmental standards and protect vital trade agreements. The initiative thus supports New Zealand’s reputation as a leader in high-quality, sustainable agriculture.

Long-term Vision and Impact BioLumic plans for the ryegrass treatment to reach broad-scale usage by 2027, facilitated by the anticipated ease of regulatory approvals given UV treatment’s non-invasive, residue-free nature. “We’re confident we can achieve similar results in ryegrass with a focus on reduced methane, and we’re really pleased to be working with AgriZeroNZ to develop this important solution for New Zealand,” Dr. Wargent added.

Comprehensive Investment in Emissions Reduction

AgriZeroNZ’s Broader Initiatives This investment in BioLumic represents the sixth major initiative by AgriZeroNZ, which has already committed over $22 million to develop tools and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other projects include advancements in methane inhibitors, novel probiotics, and a greenhouse gas testing facility.

Future Prospects McNee expressed optimism about achieving significant emissions reductions, aiming to have two to three tools widely adopted by 2030: “There is a very real opportunity to stay among the most efficient producers of dairy products and meat in the world if we can get the right tools to farmers.”