“We’re seeking bold, evidence-based ideas that can accelerate practical low-emissions solutions for New Zealand’s pastoral farming systems,” they said in a media release.

Both the Ag Emissions Centre and AgriZeroNZ are working to provide New Zealand farmers with a suite of "fit for purpose", practical and cost effective tools to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and are partnering to run a competitive round to identify and support innovative ideas and opportunities.

Funding available is up to NZ$2m in total for R&D full proposals (up to 2 years) and up to NZ$50k for R&D idea proposals (up to 6 months).

The $2m total funding for full proposals might not be evenly split across the research challenges, with the funding split determined by the quality of applications, and up to four idea projects funded up to $50k in this round, also determined by the quality of applications.

Research areas include:

• Automatic identification of urine patches

• Novel low-emissions nitrogen fertilisers

• Improved prediction from in-vitro to in-vivo

• Pasture-focused dietary manipulation

• New/improved approaches to reduce N₂O or methane at scale

“The AgEC and AgriZeroNZ welcome applications that are seeking to develop novel approaches, or significantly strengthen or accelerate current approaches that show major promise for bringing practical, farm-level solutions closer to implementation within a timely manner for New Zealand farmers and growers.”

The organisations are welcoming ideas seeking to overcome barriers to the development, measurement, or delivery of agricultural GHG emissions reduction solutions – this could range from basic science to application of advanced technologies, such as A.I., or include tech transfer from other disciplines.

EOIs close at 2pm on 24 February 2026.