Wellington | 29 - 30 April 2026
The 2026 New Zealand Agriculture & Climate Change Conference brought together leaders from science, the primary sector, finance, and policy to tackle one central question: how do we unlock New Zealand’s low-emissions advantage?
Organised by the Ag Emissions Centre, the two-day event attracted around 450 attendees and delivered a dynamic programme of presentations and discussions. Topics ranged from global market expectations and economic realities to the latest scientific advancements, all with a strong focus on practical, on-farm application. The conference also provided an excellent platform for networking and knowledge sharing across sectors.
Focus on Nitrous Oxide Mitigation
One of the standout sessions explored “How is New Zealand addressing low-emission farming through investment in tools and technologies?”. Among the six speakers, John Caradus presented on:
“Abatement of nitrous oxide emissions from ruminant agricultural systems using forages.”
His presentation underscored the significance of nitrous oxide as a greenhouse gas. While less discussed than carbon dioxide and methane, nitrous oxide is considerably more potent and accounts for approximately 12% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with around 95% originating from agriculture. Reducing nitrous oxide emissions is therefore critical for meeting New Zealand’s environmental targets and international commitments.
The Challenge: Nitrogen in Grazing Systems
In New Zealand’s pastoral systems, about 80% of nitrous oxide emissions come from animal excreta, particularly urine. A key issue is that pasture nitrogen levels often exceed what grazing ruminants require. As a result, surplus nitrogen is excreted, contributing to emissions.
However, mitigation options remain limited in extensive grazing systems, creating a significant challenge for farmers and researchers alike.
Promising Approaches and Key Challenges
Several potential strategies for reducing nitrous oxide emissions in pasture-based systems were highlighted:
1. Condensed Tannin-Containing Plants
Plants expressing condensed tannins can reduce nitrogen excretion. However, challenges include:
- Agronomic suitability in mixed-species grazing systems
- Regulatory barriers, particularly around genetically modified white clover expressing tannins in leaves
2. Forage-Based Pasture Systems
Incorporating species such as:
- Plantain
- Chicory
- Lotus
(alongside ryegrass and white clover)
These forb-based pastures show promise in reducing nitrogen losses. The main barrier lies in farmer adoption and integrating these species into existing farm management systems.
3. Biologically Active Plant Species
Certain plants release root exudates containing compounds such as:
- Phenolics
- Terpenoids
- Flavonoids
These can act as biological nitrification inhibitors, potentially reducing nitrous oxide emissions significantly. However, further research is needed to:
- Identify suitable species
- Understand how to maximise and capture these benefits in real-world farming system
What Will Drive Change?
The adoption of these mitigation strategies is likely to be driven by a combination of factors:
- Growing recognition of environmental responsibility
- Opportunities to improve productivity alongside emissions reduction
- Increasing regulatory requirements and compliance pressures
A Valuable Industry Event
Held annually, the New Zealand Agriculture & Climate Change Conference continues to be a highly valuable event for those involved in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
With its strong emphasis on practical solutions and cross-sector collaboration, the 2026 conference proved both informative and forward-looking. It is strongly recommended for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals working on technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.
