Two Agribusiness Veterans Join AgriZeroNZ Board to Lead Emissions Reduction Push

New Zealand's mission to curb agricultural emissions has gained fresh momentum with the appointment of two seasoned agribusiness professionals to the board of AgriZeroNZ, the nation's flagship public-private partnership driving innovation in on-farm emissions reduction.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced the appointments of Simon Limmer and Murray Dyer to the AgriZeroNZ board, where they will serve three-year terms. Their appointments are expected to strengthen the organisation's leadership as it rolls out new mitigation technologies for Kiwi farmers.

Strengthening Governance with Sector Leaders

The AgriZeroNZ board, currently chaired by Rob Hewett, will now grow from five to seven members with the inclusion of Limmer and Dyer.

Simon Limmer, a well-known figure in the primary industries, brings significant executive experience to the board. He formerly served as Chief Executive of Silver Fern Farms, one of New Zealand's largest meat exporters, and is currently the CEO of Indevin Group, a leading wine company. Limmer played an instrumental role in the early stages of AgriZeroNZ's formation and now returns as the Government's official appointee.

Murray Dyer, appointed as the sector representative, is a principal partner at Prime Markets, and has over 30 years of experience spanning agribusiness, energy, and infrastructure sectors. His commercial acumen and extensive network across rural industries are expected to add significant value to the board's strategic direction.

"Both appointments will help drive AgriZeroNZ's upcoming work to rollout and drive uptake of new mitigation technology – keeping Kiwi farmers productive whilst achieving our recently announced biogenic methane reduction targets," said Minister McClay.

$400 Million Joint Investment for Emissions Solutions

AgriZeroNZ was created as a joint venture between the government and industry partners, with a shared vision to accelerate the development and commercialisation of emissions reduction tools tailored for the agricultural sector.

To date, the partnership has been backed by a $400 million commitment, reflecting the high stakes in New Zealand's climate response and the importance of agriculture to the national economy.

So far, AgriZeroNZ has invested in 14 ventures and research projects, focusing on tools that reduce biogenic methane and nitrous oxide, two key greenhouse gases linked to livestock and fertiliser use.

Tools Rolling Out Soon – With More on the Horizon

Some of these tools are already nearing commercial readiness. The first batch of emissions mitigation technologies is expected to become available to farmers as early as next year, with up to 11 tools anticipated by 2030.

"We have increasing confidence in the pipeline of new mitigation tools. We expect to see up to 11 available by 2030," said McClay.

The tools under development include feed additives, methane inhibitors, vaccine technologies, and soil interventions—all aimed at cutting emissions without compromising productivity.

A Climate Strategy That Protects Jobs and Production

Minister McClay reiterated the government's commitment to achieving climate targets without sacrificing rural livelihoods.

"We are committed to meeting our climate obligations without closing down farms and sending jobs and production overseas," he said. "This investment in AgriZero will offer farmers the tools they need to reduce on-farm emissions without reducing production."

The announcement follows the Government's release of its revised biogenic methane reduction targets, which aim to cut emissions while preserving the viability of New Zealand's pastoral farming—a sector that contributes significantly to exports, jobs, and regional economies.

Sector Response and Future Outlook

AgriZeroNZ is seen by many industry observers as a critical enabler of climate-smart agriculture in New Zealand. With a growing pipeline of science-backed technologies, and strengthened board leadership, the organisation is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that farmers have access to practical, affordable, and scalable solutions.

The appointments of Limmer and Dyer are widely welcomed as a sign that collaboration between government and industry remains strong, even as regulatory and climate pressures increase.

As the tools become available, AgriZeroNZ will focus on farmer engagement, education, and uptake strategies—ensuring that the innovations developed reach the farm gate and deliver measurable environmental outcomes.