Latest news with #AgriZeroNZ
National Business Review
a day ago
- Business
- National Business Review
Lucidome Bio appoints board chair
Lucidome Bio has appointed agricultural technology commercialisation expert Bridgit Hawkins as chairperson, strengthening its governance bench as the company advances its breakthrough methane-reducing vaccine towards global commercial development. The company was established by AgriZeroNZ, with the support of the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium and the New Zealand Government and consolidates New Zealand's intellectual property, scientific talent and funding into a single high-growth venture. Lucidome Bio chief executive David Aitken said: 'We've built strong … foundations and are now focused on making technology breakthroughs, progressing regulatory pathways, and strengthening our commercial roadmap into the future. Bridgit has navigated this transition many times and understands how to balance bold thinking with tight execution. She is set to play a critical role in helping us move with clarity and intent.' Hawkins brings deep experience in leading technology-driven companies from early concept phase through to scale and exit. As former founder and CEO of Regen Ltd, she is currently chief sustainability officer at farm management solution company CropX. Hawkins' work has spanned startup governance, capital raising, intellectual property strategy, commercial partnerships, and measuring climate tech impact for global clients. With a master's degree in agricultural science, she has also completed executive training at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and founded Fields of Change, an initiative focused on industry-wide solutions to systemic agricultural challenges. 'Early-stage governance is very different to conventional business-as-usual. You're dealing with high potential, limited resources, and a very fast-moving market. The skill is knowing where to focus – what truly matters – and how to use the resources you have to maximise their effect,' Hawkins explained. Hawkins said what drew her to Lucidome Bio was a rare combination of breakthrough science, a purpose-led team, and a shared sense of urgency. 'The impact potential is enormous, the science is sound, and the belief is real. Now we need to show the world we can execute.' The appointment comes as Lucidome Bio gains growing international recognition, following its selection as a 2025 global finalist at the Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation Showcase in Boston where the company's methane vaccine was recognised for its potential to transform livestock methane reduction at scale. The technology targets methanogenic archaea – the microbes in a ruminant's gut responsible for methane production – by priming the animal's immune system to generate antibodies that reduce methanogen growth through a cost-effective vaccine. The result is a practical, science-backed solution that supports emission reductions without compromising animal health or productivity. 'In many parts of the world, feed additives or high-cost delivery systems simply aren't viable. A vaccine levels the playing field – it's scalable, cost-effective, and equitable and I look forward to ensuring Lucidome Bio gains traction both locally and on the global innovation stage,' concluded Hawkins. This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.
Otago Daily Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Reductions market-driven: SFF
Silver Fern Farms says its focus on emissions reduction is driven by what its customers and markets want. "It's not about the Paris Climate Accord or domestic methane targets. It's wholeheartedly driven by the markets you need to be in," chief executive Dan Boulton told shareholders attending yesterday's annual meeting of Silver Fern Farms Co-operative in Dunedin. Many high-value customers were addressing their own emissions reduction targets while many farmers were also implementing changes on farm to improve efficiencies and reduce emissions. Some might call it woke, but the company's view was that given New Zealand farmers' track record of environmental progress and efficiencies, it would be "irresponsible to walk away from it", he said. Customers were willing to invest in new ways of achieving targets and they were not interested in domestic debate around historic land use change in New Zealand, or that New Zealand contributed only a small percentage of global emissions. "They are only interested in what is in their supply chain," he said. Silver Fern Farms invested $9.1 million in AgriZeroNZ over the last two years, and held a shareholding of about 7.59%. That investment represented about 0.1% of total revenue. Customers in markets who made public commitments represented about 20% of its revenue and that was growing, he said. The investment in AgriZeroNZ was about options to meet that market driver without compromising key market advantages. There were a range of tools AgriZeroNZ was investing in which would go through rigorous testing. Some farmers might not be open to that "direction of travel" and it would not be forced on them. Many would be happy to accept it. He made no apologies about creating options for farmers to make sure they stayed aligned with what the markets wanted, he said. It was about finding solutions and options to address customers needs — to ensure the company maintained market access and its highest-value customers — and make it cost effective and easy to implement on-farm. Earlier this year, Silver Fern Farms announced a $21.8m net loss after tax for the year ended December 31, a $2.6m improvement on last year's result. Revenue was down $144m to $2.6 billion, ebitda was up $16.3m to $32.7m and capital expenditure was more than halved, down to $52.5m. Silver Fern Farms Co-operative, which jointly owns Silver Fern Farms Ltd with Bright Meat Group, recorded a net loss after tax of $10.9m, up from last year's $10.7m loss. Mr Boulton reiterated it was disappointing to post a loss but, without greater cost control and commercial discipline, the result would have been significantly more unfavourable. Looking at the year ahead, livestock volumes were materially lower than expected and the industry had adjusted by removing capacity earlier than was typical. Lamb kill was back 8%, predominantly in the South Island, and national beef kill was back 6% for the season to date. It would be the second consecutive challenging winter for processors, which created downstream challenges, and action and leadership was needed across the industry to address structural issues. Improved pricing was expected to stay around for the foreseeable future and that pricing had been rebuilding confidence in farming, as farmers looked to expand and buy more land. "Coming into this year, we are a fitter, more resilient Silver Fern Farms," he said. Protein demand would outstrip supply for the year ahead and growing concern around food security provided significant opportunities for New Zealand to leverage. "There's a lot to be excited about if you're a producer here in New Zealand," he said. Last year, Silver Fern Farms Co-operative bought a 12.5% stake in Woolworks for $18.486m. Silver Fern Farms Co-operative chairwoman Anna Nelson yesterday said better wool returns were essential for the overall viability of sheep farming. Asked about any potential conflict of interest with outgoing Silver Fern Farms director Rob Hewett being chairman of Woolworks, she said an extensive due diligence process was followed "with Rob firmly out of the room".
Otago Daily Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Cutting emissions market-driven: SFF
Silver Fern Farms says its focus on emissions reduction is driven by what its customers and markets want. "It's not about the Paris Climate Accord or domestic methane targets. It's wholeheartedly driven by the markets you need to be in," chief executive Dan Boulton told shareholders attending yesterday's annual meeting of Silver Fern Farms Co-operative in Dunedin. Many high-value customers were addressing their own emissions reduction targets while many farmers were also implementing changes on farm to improve efficiencies and reduce emissions. Some might call it woke, but the company's view was that given New Zealand farmers' track record of environmental progress and efficiencies, it would be "irresponsible to walk away from it", he said. Customers were willing to invest in new ways of achieving targets and they were not interested in domestic debate around historic land use change in New Zealand, or that New Zealand contributed only a small percentage of global emissions. "They are only interested in what is in their supply chain," he said. Silver Fern Farms invested $9.1 million in AgriZeroNZ over the last two years, and held a shareholding of about 7.59%. That investment represented about 0.1% of total revenue. Customers in markets who made public commitments represented about 20% of its revenue and that was growing, he said. The investment in AgriZeroNZ was about options to meet that market driver without compromising key market advantages. There were a range of tools AgriZeroNZ was investing in which would go through rigorous testing. Some farmers might not be open to that "direction of travel" and it would not be forced on them. Many would be happy to accept it. He made no apologies about creating options for farmers to make sure they stayed aligned with what the markets wanted, he said. It was about finding solutions and options to address customers needs — to ensure the company maintained market access and its highest-value customers — and make it cost effective and easy to implement on-farm. Earlier this year, Silver Fern Farms announced a $21.8m net loss after tax for the year ended December 31, a $2.6m improvement on last year's result. Revenue was down $144m to $2.6 billion, ebitda was up $16.3m to $32.7m and capital expenditure was more than halved, down to $52.5m. Silver Fern Farms Co-operative, which jointly owns Silver Fern Farms Ltd with Bright Meat Group, recorded a net loss after tax of $10.9m, up from last year's $10.7m loss. Mr Boulton reiterated it was disappointing to post a loss but, without greater cost control and commercial discipline, the result would have been significantly more unfavourable. Looking at the year ahead, livestock volumes were materially lower than expected and the industry had adjusted by removing capacity earlier than was typical. Lamb kill was back 8%, predominantly in the South Island, and the national beef kill was back 6% for the season to date. It would be the second consecutive challenging winter for processors, which created downstream challenges, and action and leadership was needed across the industry to address structural issues. Improved pricing was expected to stay around for the foreseeable future and that pricing had been rebuilding confidence in farming, as farmers looked to expand and buy more land. "Coming into this year, we are a fitter, more resilient Silver Fern Farms," he said. Protein demand would outstrip supply for the year ahead and growing concern around food security provided significant opportunities for New Zealand to leverage. "There's a lot to be excited about if you're a producer here in New Zealand," he said. Last year, Silver Fern Farms Co-operative bought a 12.5% stake in Woolworks for $18.486m. Silver Fern Farms Co-operative chairwoman Anna Nelson yesterday said better wool returns were essential for the overall viability of sheep farming. Asked about any potential conflict of interest with outgoing Silver Fern Farms director Rob Hewett being chairman of Woolworks, she said an extensive due diligence process was followed "with Rob firmly out of the room".
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
NZ's Methane Reducing Vaccine Selected As Global Finalist For Innovation Showcase In Boston, USA
Press Release – Lucidome Bio Lucidome Bios pioneering solution has been hailed as a potential holy grail for climate action in agriculture – a low-cost, high-impact tool that could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. New Zealand agricultural biotech company Lucidome Bio has been selected as one of just fourteen global finalists to pitch at the Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation USA event this week in Boston – a significant opportunity to showcase its world-first methane-reducing vaccine on the international stage. The Innovation Showcase is a premier global platform for breakthrough companies in animal health and agtech to present game-changing innovations to a live audience of industry leaders, investors and collaborators with attendees voting for the most promising 2025 ventures. Lucidome Bio's pioneering solution has been hailed as a potential 'holy grail' for climate action in agriculture – a low-cost, high-impact tool that could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. 'As a nation globally renowned for agricultural excellence and innovation, it's fitting that New Zealand is stepping onto the world stage with a breakthrough that could help reshape the future of farming. Lucidome Bio's selection as a global finalist is more than a recognition of scientific achievement; it's a signal that New Zealand is leading the charge in practical climate solutions for agriculture. Lucidome Bio is proud to represent the strength of Kiwi science, the power of partnership, and the potential of a vaccine that could transform farming systems around the globe,' said David Aitken, Chief Executive Officer of Lucidome Bio. How it works: microbiome meets methane Lucidome Bio's vaccine aims to trigger an animal's immune system to produce antibodies in saliva that suppress the activity of methane-producing microbes (methanogens) in the rumen. These microbes are responsible for the majority of methane emitted through livestock burps which is a significant contributor to climate change. From research to reality: bringing the vaccine to farmers Lucidome Bio was established by AgriZeroNZ, with the support of the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre and the New Zealand government, to accelerate the commercialisation of this breakthrough – consolidating New Zealand's intellectual property, scientific talent and funding into a single high-growth venture. The company continues to work closely with AgResearch, with leading scientists seconded into the business and providing access to research facilities. The Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium remains a shareholder, alongside AgriZeroNZ. 'A vaccine that reduces methane would be transformative for farmers worldwide. What we're developing has the potential to fundamentally shift how livestock emissions are managed – offering farmers a practical, cost-effective tool that doesn't compromise productivity. It's a solution that works with nature, not against it. Being recognised on the global stage affirms not just the calibre of New Zealand science but the urgency and relevance of what we're building. It isn't innovation for innovation's sake – it's a critical lever for climate action in agriculture and we're proud to be leading from the front,' concludes Lucidome Bio's Chairman Bridgit Hawkins. Other finalists in the 'Production animal health showcase' category include Barnwell Bio, Flox, Fluxergy, Tribe Biotech and Verility.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
NZ's Methane Reducing Vaccine Selected As Global Finalist For Innovation Showcase In Boston, USA
New Zealand agricultural biotech company Lucidome Bio has been selected as one of just fourteen global finalists to pitch at the Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation USA event this week in Boston - a significant opportunity to showcase its world-first methane-reducing vaccine on the international stage. The Innovation Showcase is a premier global platform for breakthrough companies in animal health and agtech to present game-changing innovations to a live audience of industry leaders, investors and collaborators with attendees voting for the most promising 2025 ventures. Lucidome Bio's pioneering solution has been hailed as a potential 'holy grail' for climate action in agriculture - a low-cost, high-impact tool that could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. 'As a nation globally renowned for agricultural excellence and innovation, it's fitting that New Zealand is stepping onto the world stage with a breakthrough that could help reshape the future of farming. Lucidome Bio's selection as a global finalist is more than a recognition of scientific achievement; it's a signal that New Zealand is leading the charge in practical climate solutions for agriculture. Lucidome Bio is proud to represent the strength of Kiwi science, the power of partnership, and the potential of a vaccine that could transform farming systems around the globe,' said David Aitken, Chief Executive Officer of Lucidome Bio. How it works: microbiome meets methane Lucidome Bio's vaccine aims to trigger an animal's immune system to produce antibodies in saliva that suppress the activity of methane-producing microbes (methanogens) in the rumen. These microbes are responsible for the majority of methane emitted through livestock burps which is a significant contributor to climate change. From research to reality: bringing the vaccine to farmers Lucidome Bio was established by AgriZeroNZ, with the support of the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre and the New Zealand government, to accelerate the commercialisation of this breakthrough - consolidating New Zealand's intellectual property, scientific talent and funding into a single high-growth venture. The company continues to work closely with AgResearch, with leading scientists seconded into the business and providing access to research facilities. The Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium remains a shareholder, alongside AgriZeroNZ. 'A vaccine that reduces methane would be transformative for farmers worldwide. What we're developing has the potential to fundamentally shift how livestock emissions are managed - offering farmers a practical, cost-effective tool that doesn't compromise productivity. It's a solution that works with nature, not against it. Being recognised on the global stage affirms not just the calibre of New Zealand science but the urgency and relevance of what we're building. It isn't innovation for innovation's sake - it's a critical lever for climate action in agriculture and we're proud to be leading from the front,' concludes Lucidome Bio's Chairman Bridgit Hawkins. Other finalists in the 'Production animal health showcase' category include Barnwell Bio, Flox, Fluxergy, Tribe Biotech and Verility.
