The joint effort, led by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is focused on developing actionable tools that address the specific on-farm challenges New Zealand farmers face.

“This partnership accelerates the delivery of practical, science-based tools that will directly support our farmers in reducing emissions and meeting sustainability goals,” Mr McClay says.

"Under this third funding round of the Ireland-New Zealand Pilot Joint Research Initiative, MPI and Ireland’s agriculture department are committing an additional $9.6 million, bringing the total investment in agricultural research to over $35 million. The initiative has already yielded critical advancements, such as improved greenhouse gas inventories, progress in breeding low-emission livestock, and providing farmers with cutting-edge methods to manage emissions.

"Our farmers are central to New Zealand’s economy and achieving our sustainability goals. Collaborating with Ireland strengthens our ability to provide tools that help our primary industries thrive in global markets,” Mr McClay says.

“This initiative not only strengthens ties between New Zealand and Ireland but also reinforces New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable agriculture while ensuring economic benefits for Kiwi producers on the world stage,” Mr McClay says.