Early Bird I Monday April 14th 2025

Wood and hemp sectors follow wool’s lead in government procurement push, Kiwi startup tackles methane with wearable cow solution, and Southland deer farmer’s triple win at environmental awards.

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!

 

Wood and hemp sectors follow wool’s lead in government procurement push

Local building material producers are calling on the government to include their products in construction projects, following last week's announcement that woollen products will be used in government buildings where practical.

The wool sector has been celebrating the decision which requires government agencies to use wool in elements like flooring, insulation, acoustic panels and furnishings. 

However, other material sectors are now pushing for similar commitments. Mark Ross, Chief Executive of Wood Processors and Manufacturers, expressed disappointment that procurement policy hasn't been extended to timber and engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber and glulam. Ross points out these New Zealand-made products are renewable with economic and environmental advantages for carbon storage and rural community support.

The Hemp Building Association is also seeking greater recognition, with spokesperson Jo Say highlighting the benefits of hempcrete as an environmentally sustainable building material. Say emphasizes the product's excellent insulation properties, its ability to create stable internal temperatures, and its carbon-sequestering capabilities that make every hempcrete house a carbon sink. The material's hydroscopic capacity also makes it highly resistant to mould and condensation issues.

The current government directive for woollen products applies to government-owned buildings with new construction works valued up to $9 million and refurbishments up to $100,000.

 

MFAT boosts support as US tariff concerns affect rural exporters

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has established a dedicated hotline to assist New Zealand businesses with questions about US tariffs. MFAT says it's working alongside other government agencies and is in close contact with exporters about US trade issues and potential implications for New Zealand.

The ministry acknowledges many exporters are concerned about the tariff impositions and their potential impacts. In response, they've created a dedicated contact point specifically for US tariff queries. MFAT has also reminded businesses they can use the existing Trade Barriers Helpdesk website to register any issues, with enquiries directed to the most appropriate government agency.

A dedicated email address is also available, you can find that as well as the hotline in this episodes description: [e-mail] - 0800 824 605

 

Kiwi startup tackles methane with wearable cow solution

Kiwi startup 28toZero is developing technology to destroy methane as soon as cattle exhale it, potentially helping farmers meet emissions targets. The company, majority-owned by agriculture tech investor Sprout Agritech with Fonterra holding a 14% share, is working on making the technology wearable for cows.

Executive chair Peter Barrowclough explains the company name reflects methane's potency as a greenhouse gas, being 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. 

The technology, licensed from Lincoln Agritech, uses electricity to measure and destroy methane without producing harmful byproducts. It converts methane at concentrations as low as 200 parts per million into formic acid, a potentially marketable product. Lincoln Agritech's David Rankin, who led