The partnership involves two main projects. One is working to develop a commercially viable net zero carbon emissions dairy farm and the other is a greenhouse gas (GHG) farmer support pilot programme.

GHG farmer support pilot

The pilot programme will see participating Fonterra supplying farms get additional support to implement changes aimed at lowering their on-farm emissions. The pilot's first focus will be growing feed as efficiently as possible, followed by looking at ways to enhance milk production efficiency.

The idea is for this project to give Nestlé confidence that we are helping them achieve their emissions targets.

It will start with around 50 farms, but the intention is for this to be scaled up to include more farmers over the next three years. Farmers taking part will be required to provide additional data from their farming operation on an annual basis. Using this data we can help identify where a change on-farm could lower their footprint and support farmers to develop action plans.

Initially, our field teams will be approaching farmers who they think may be a good fit for this project. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to your local Sustainable Dairying Advisor. Alternatively, you can email ghgpilot@fonterra.com or call the Farmer Support Team on 0800 65 65 68 to find out more and see if your farm is eligible.

There are some prerequisite requirements, such as meeting The Co-operative Difference at Te Pūtake level.

Net zero carbon emissions dairy farm

This is a five-year project whereby a Fonterra-owned farm, run with co-partner Dairy Trust Taranaki, will examine all aspects of farm operations to reduce carbon with the aim of cutting emissions by 30% by mid-2027, and a 10-year ambition of reaching net zero carbon emissions.

The farm at the centre of the project is a 290-hectare property surrounding Fonterra's Whareroa site.

Dairy Trust Taranaki will work with Fonterra and industry partners to reduce total emissions on the farm, including methane, with successful solutions also being good for the farmer, good for the cow and good for the milk.

Lessons learned and activities will be shared through open days and online resources for farmers, who can then adopt the techniques and technologies most appropriate for their own farms.

The practices must be economically viable and practical for farmers to adopt.

Accelerating progress

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the collaboration will help both Fonterra and Nestlé accelerate progress towards their GHG emission goals.

"New Zealand already provides some of the most sustainable nutrition in the world through its pasture-based dairy system. This new partnership will look at ways to further reduce emissions, increasing the country's low-emissions advantage over the rest of the world."

"Part of our strategy is to lead in sustainability and we aspire to be net zero by 2050. We know we will make bigger gains, for both the Co-op and country, by partnering with others. Working with partners such as Nestlé is our best opportunity to create innovative solutions to local and global industry challenges.

"As well as our own goals, it's important we help our customers achieve theirs. Nestlé has ambitious plans and we look forward to working together to discover systems that could help our farmer owners to continue to build on the already good base they have."