New Zealand and Ireland Renew Partnership on Agricultural Emissions Research
New Zealand and Ireland have renewed their collaboration on agricultural climate research, agreeing to continue joint work aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farming without constraining production. The commitment was formalised on 18 March 2026 in Wellington through a joint ministerial statement, building on a pilot programme launched in 2022. The announcement was published by the New Zealand Government in an official release.
Extending a joint research initiative on farm emissions
The agreement was signed by New Zealand’s Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Ireland’s Minister of State Noel Grealish. It confirms a second phase of cooperation under the Joint Research Initiative (JRI), which focuses on scientific approaches to measuring and reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in pasture-based farming systems.
The initial JRI pilot, launched in 2022, involved a joint investment of NZ$34.5 million and supported 11 research projects. These projects were designed to strengthen climate science capability and accelerate understanding of how emissions can be reduced while maintaining farm productivity.
“New Zealand and Ireland will continue to advance vital research to support the development of tools to give farmers options to tackle agricultural greenhouse gas emissions without reducing production,” — Todd McClay, Agriculture Minister, New Zealand
Focus on practical outcomes for farmers
During his visit to New Zealand, Minister of State Noel Grealish met researchers involved in the current JRI projects and discussed next steps for the partnership. He highlighted the shared economic importance of agriculture to both countries and the need to balance emissions reduction with food production.
“Agriculture is at the heart of the Irish and New Zealand economies, and we share the common goal of lowering emissions in pasture-based farming, while supporting farmers to produce more,” — Noel Grealish, Minister of State, Ireland
Officials from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will now identify additional projects to be taken forward under the next phase of the initiative.
Global Research Alliance strategic plan launched
Alongside the bilateral announcement, the two ministers also launched the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA). The plan sets out four priorities: advancing scientific research, strengthening capacity and knowledge sharing, building effective collaboration and partnerships, and leveraging financial and other resources.
The GRA brings together researchers from around the world to collaborate on reducing emissions from cropping, livestock and paddy rice systems. The new strategy is intended to guide international research efforts and support the development of practical, science-based solutions for agriculture.
