Kirsten Lunoe

Introducing Regen to Market: A Platform Connecting Regenerative Farmers with Consumers 🌱 In a New Zealand first, food can now be verified as having been produced using regenerative practices. Dr Hugh Jellie, founder and CEO of ATA Regenerative, has launched Regen to Market, an online platform dedicated to bringing regenerative produce directly to consumers. 🌾  This initiative uses the Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) system, developed by the Savory Institute, to track improvements in soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem function—ensuring produce comes from farms dedicated to true land regeneration.  With produce bearing the Land to Market and Regen to Market seals, NZ consumers now have a trusted way to support verified, sustainable agriculture. ✨ Currently, New Zealand has over 220 farms spanning 500,000 hectares measuring improvements through EOV, with more farms expected to join Regen to Market. 🌍 “The best opportunity we’ve got to improve our health is through our food and being able to link that back to the way we farm it,” says Dr Jellie. Read the full article by Farmers Weekly here:  https://lnkd.in/gcbT6EjV Visit Regen to Market here: https://regentomarket.com/ #RegenToMarket #RegenerativeFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #LandToMarket #EcologicalOutcomeVerification

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Food Frontier's 2023 State of the Industry report on the Australian plant-based meat industry is here! Despite the economic challenges faced by plant-based meat companies here and overseas it’s evident that the industry is here to stay, and that Australia is performing better than overseas markets in the face of these pressures.  Driven by Deloitte Access Economics and Food Frontier research, the report has uncovered that plant-based meat sales in Australia have increased by 47% between 2020 and 2023 and per-capita consumption has increased by 28%. Foodservice is the outstanding performer. Plant-based meat sales growth in Australia has been driven by strong demand from the foodservice sector, which has an average yearly growth rate of 59%.   Delve into the report for global comparisons, retail and foodservice trends, price analysis, agricultural contributions, and 10-year projections—valuable information for managing risk and pursuing growth opportunities with confidence and clarity. This year's report offers an additional advantage with tailored recommendations for plant-based meat companies, retailers, foodservice, agriculture, investors, and governmental bodies. Essential reading for anyone looking for sustainable protein opportunities in the food industry. Download here: https://lnkd.in/gY8PTqeQ #PlantBased #FoodIndustry #Report #StateOfTheIndustry Alternative Proteins Global, Cellular Agriculture Australia, Mark Field. Australian Food and Grocery Council, Food Industry Foresight  

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We were thrilled to see Leon Power and Nanobubble Agritech feature on TVNZ 1news last week. We first invested in Nanobubble in May last year, seeing the potential that its integrated, retrofittable nanobubble technology solution has for the agricultural and horticulture sector in New Zealand and Australia. Nanobubble technology has been proven to improve plant growth, resistance to disease, and soil health and moisture retention. Nanobubbles are already used effectively in high value greenhouse operations and hydroponics but no other company has managed to create a cost effective system for mainstream irrigation operations. The Nanobubble Agritech System is retrofitted to existing farm irrigation infrastructure, supersaturates water with oxygen at levels 400% greater than previously attainable. Harnessing this technology Nanobubble Agritech add value to irrigation water, delivering greater production and in turn, greater profits. Find out more here https://lnkd.in/g97WdVyY #angelinvesting #agtech #nanobubbles #irrigation #agritech

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My 1st impressions were, why bother with this as who still uses natural cork to seal wine? Isn't the issue that metal screwcaps are not allowed in kerbside recycling bins (in NZ at least) so people have to take them to special collection point, hence most end up in the rubbish? About 90% (though some claim closer to 99%) of NZ wine is sealed with metal screwcaps (to avoid wine tainting) with the global average being 30%. Natural cork is still the main choice globally for wine closures, with metal screwcaps 2nd, then 3rd equal plastic or diam closures (natural cork ground up and then put back together in a cork shape). So once again with #recycling you need to look at what #recovery facilities are required at the point of use based on current sales and trends. In NZ we have glass bottles and metal screwcaps that need to be recovered. Are these metal closures more environmentally friendly than natural cork, plastic or diam closures? Well that depends on whether you look just at the impact of the closures or the impact of all the primary packaging required to get wine to your glass. Maybe more effort should be put into transition wine #packaging from heavy glass to lighter metal or plastic containers than worrying about the type of closure used on glass bottles? Anyone know of a good comparison of wine packaging options and their #lifecycle impacts?

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NZ start-up Jooules received an NZ $1m investment from Sprout Agritech to commercialise its novel gaseous fermentation technology. 🏭☁️🍔 The company says its aim is to power the future of protein by converting CO2 emission streams into ingredients-based protein to feed a hungry world. Jooules’ claims that its production techniques are expected to consume around 600 times less water and 99% less land compared to traditional protein production. Jooules’ Founder David McLellan: “In laboratory settings, we have proved the ability to harness the power of ancient microbes through gaseous fermentation to produce functional food-grade protein from carbon dioxide. Our ingredients-based protein will be nutritionally dense and resilient with major ethical benefits when you consider that we will be able to carbon capture emissions streams from other industries.” Full story here: https://lnkd.in/ec4zzTdZ 👈 #futureoffood #foodinnovation #alternativeprotein

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📈🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA'S PLANT-BASED INDUSTRY REBOUNDS WITH MORE BRANDS & PRICE PARITY Plant-based meat is inching closer to the cost of its conventional counterparts in Australia, driven by a proliferation of brands and significant foodservice growth, according to a new report by Food Frontier. The think tank’s 2023 State of the Industry report combines industry data and insights from Deloitte Access Economics, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector after a tricky couple of years globally. Where has the industry gained, and where is it lacking? What will it look like in the future? Here are the key takeaways from Food Frontier’s analysis. 🌱 The rise of plant-based meat in Australia has been driven by its foodservice performance since Covid-19. In 2023, sales across foodservice and retail reached AU$272.5M, representing a 47% increase from 2020, the first year of the pandemic. Per capita consumption is also up by 28% since 2020. 🌱 Despite the market performance, the plant-based meat manufacturing sector’s contribution to the economy has reduced by 9%, from AU$50.4M in 2020 to AU$45.8M last year. This drop is witnessed across both direct and indirect contributions. 🌱 Globally, plant-based companies saw a 28% decline in VC investment in 2023, reflecting the larger 61% drop in food tech funding. The pattern is similar in Australia, where plant-based meat makers have witnessed a 70% decrease in financing since 2020, and a 13% drop from 2022, reaching AU$16.75M last year. 🌱 Australia has witnessed a shift in consumer preference for the type of plant-based meat. Long-standing formats like burgers and mince have stabilised in number, while newer options such as strips/chunks and whole cuts have become more popular. 🌱 Despite increased per capita spend amid inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, the price gap between plant-based and animal-derived meat is narrowing. While the former carried a premium of 49% in 2020, they were just 33% more expensive last year. 🌱 Research shows that 20-39% of Australians are cutting back on meat or eating none at all, with 38% open to replacing it with a plant-based option. Health seems to be the major influencing factor, with protein requirements and ultra-processing top of mind. After consulting with manufacturers, Food Frontier found that they are prioritising health and nutrition in plant-based meat production. In Food Frontier’s first State of the Industry report, Deloitte Access Economics modelled three potential 10-year scenarios for the plant-based meat manufacturing industry. These are based on three trajectories. The first centres on these products as conscious consumers’ choice, a conservative estimate; the second is a moderate forecast labelling vegan meats as popular and accessible alternatives; and the third, more accelerated prediction analyses these as popular mass-market commodities. #GreenQueen #altprorein #futurefoods #foodtech #sustainability #foodsystems

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In our third instalment of the 'What's Next? from AgResearch' podcast we're discussing 'Are alternative proteins going to wipe out the dairy industry?' Alternative proteins such as dairy proteins produced through precision fermentation are now a reality globally. But what does it mean for New Zealand? Is this stuff grown in industrial vats a genuine threat to our livestock industries? In this episode, our expert AgResearch senior scientist Scott Knowles outlines what precision fermentation is, how it might fit alongside conventional dairy production and what opportunities could be seized by New Zealand to add value to its existing markets (including the interesting role forestry waste might play). To round out the episode, we’ll also hear about other technological advances that are driving research and innovations in agriculture. Our IT infrastructure and security manager Ben Taylor talks about the challenge of handling large volumes of data and the computing power now available; while senior data scientist Sam Hitchman discusses how new tools are making it much faster and easier to investigate issues such as methane output from animals. To learn more about anything you’ve heard in this episode visit: https://lnkd.in/gQJgRg35 🎧 Find us wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. #WhatsNext #WhatsNextAgResearch #WhatsNextPodcast #AlternativeProteins #PrecisionFermentation #DairyIndustry #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AgResearch #AgResearchNZ #NZFarming

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🌾📈 Accelerator in Australia announces chosen AgriFoodTech startups. SparkLabs Cultiv8, a cleantech AgriFood accelerator, has revealed the nine startups selected for its latest accelerator program. Founder Jonathon Quigley highlighted that these startups were chosen for their contributions to a more sustainable and efficient global food production system. The 2024 cohort includes a diverse range of companies: 👉 Alkiira Therapeutics - focuses on Australian-grown botanical extracts and nutraceuticals 👉 Bovotica - offers a probiotic/prebiotic feed supplement to reduce methane in cattle 👉 Carbon Friendly - provides carbon technology solutions for the agricultural industry 👉 Levur Pty Ltd - creates sustainable oil substitutes using yeast 👉 Nitronic - develops on-site, zero-carbon fertilizers 👉 NonTox - produces non-toxic herbicides and anti-pathogen solutions 👉 Invenios - explores microbial-based biological solutions 👉 PyxGlobal - ensures secure data exchange along supply chains 👉 Unibaio - formulates more efficient pesticides and fertilizers with natural microparticles. The accelerator program runs for six months and has supported over 50 companies, which have collectively raised more than $750 million, created 750 jobs, and now hold a total value of $1.75 billion. Unibaio is a FoodTech 500 alum. Learn more about this company here: https://lnkd.in/eJkrrciZ Read the full Startup Daily article here: https://lnkd.in/ewrwckBV #ForwardFooding #accelerator #startup #venture #foodtech #innovation

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We’ve started a conversation with the Minister for the Environment about the Government’s intention to phase out hard-to-recycle and single-use plastics in the Aotearoa New Zealand Waste Strategy. Coffee cups are a massive single-use waste-stream - the Packaging Forum estimates 295 million cups end up in landfill every year and we wondered by coffee cups weren’t included in the recent single-use bans. The Honourable Penny Simmonds sent a thoughtful reply. One of the points the letter made around composting: “Kerbside organic waste collections exclude all compostable packaging due to the risks of contamination from microplastics and chemicals (such as per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) which are often contained in these products. I agree that there is room for innovation in this space.” Seems complex right? Well, here’s an idea. What if the legislation was changed to make sure that compostable packaging was… um, compostable? 🤯 And innovation? We got you, Minister. Just Earth Papers’ cups have no lining to separate, no microplastics and no per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances. We’re continuing the dialogue and hoping to contribute to a future for Aotearoa New Zealand where consumers have a simple choice between reusable or truly compostable single-use cups. This is a future reality that is in easy reach - with a few small legislative tweaks. This would encourage innovations like ours to thrive and it would also provide instant, measurable change to New Zealand’s environmental and waste reduction goals. What’s not to love? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g9Sjs7gk. #JustEarthPapers

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What is the future of growing kiwifruit in Aotearoa, New Zealand? We’re delighted to announce that Zespri International will be joining us for a second year at XLabs: Future of Food, with two cross-industry teams, focused on exploring on-orchard solutions through research and development into the carbon removals opportunity in our 3-day design sprint. Ideating, prototyping, and designing innovative solutions to drive collective action towards  Zespri's goal to be carbon-positive by 2035.   “Zespri is a premium brand and maintaining our position requires leadership in addressing our emissions.  XLabs offers a unique opportunity for our kiwifruit industry to work together to understand the opportunity for carbon removals on orchard.”  Samantha Walmsley-Bartlett Head of Sustainability, Global Grower and Supply Chain at Zespri Welcome back Zespri, we look forward to having you at XLabs in Nelson this year. Your commitment to working hard to create sustainable change for the future of Aotearoa's food industry is inspiring — read more here: https://lnkd.in/grTmF57S Let’s explore innovative leadership with you — and together redesign the future of our food from Aotearoa, New Zealand to the world. _____ Are you keen to join Zespri alongside other innovators to explore the Future of food to be abundant, nature-positive and regenerative by design? It's not too late. Register a team from your business, industry or region today to work on challenges facing your business and explore innovative solutions in a design sprint format alongside experts.: Register here https://lnkd.in/gibutRkn or message us directly here on Linkedin, for a start date of 1st July. Xlabs Future of Food is made possible in partnership — designed and delivered by Circularity in partnership with Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA). #circulareconomy #circulardesign #circularity #circularinnovation #aotearoanz #regenerativedesign #xlabsnz #xlabs #zespri

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Investment accelerator in Island Sanitation PTI NZ encourages sanitation businesses in the Blue Pacific to apply for the Toilet Board Coalition Accelerator 2025. The Toilet Board Coalition runs the leading accelerator for sanitation businesses worldwide. They have supported 70 entrepreneurs and unlocked US$33 Million in financing. The Toilet Board Coalition provides tailored one-on-one business model coaching, mentorship from business leaders, and access to investment and networks. Applications are invited from entrepreneurs in the Blue Pacific who are engaged in businesses such as building and operating toilets and toilet accessories; collecting and treating waste; menstrual health, and other technologies and applications for the sanitation and waste supply chain. Deadline for applications – 30 April 2024. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gDEkGtbK #PacificInnovation #PTINZ #ToiletBoard Accelerator #PacificTrade Invest #PacificGrowth #PacificSanitation #PacificInnovation #PTINZ #ToiletBoard Accelerator #PacificTrade Invest #PacificGrowth #PacificSanitation

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PITCH # 7 What a natural: Andrew Pedley. Carbonaught Pty Ltd is revolutionising the global food system. By utilising basalt as a synthetic fertiliser replacement, they're making food growth far more efficient, not only growing more food but also doing it on less land, at lower cost, and with lower emissions. Carbonaught reduces fertiliser costs by up to 50%, and emission intensity by up to 80%. With a team boasting expertise in data science, engineering, machine learning, and geophysics, Carbonaught is set to make a significant impact. Invest in the Startmate x Aussie Angels Syndicate: https://lnkd.in/gD2qQUgi #StartmateDemoDay

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This recent Guardian Australia article by Max Opray explores the ongoing efforts to decarbonize meat production through sustainable practices and technological intervention but misses a significant opportunity to highlight the role of bioenergy. Bioenergy is a well-established solution globally and offers a critical pathway to enhance these sustainability efforts within the agricultural sector. Bioenergy, derived from organic waste like manure and crop residues, not only provides renewable energy but also significantly reduces waste and greenhouse emissions. Integrating bioenergy practices in agriculture leads to the production of biochar and other soil enhancers that improve soil health and carbon sequestration, crucial for reducing the overall carbon footprint of farming operations. Moreover, bioenergy supports a circular economy in agriculture, transforming waste into valuable resources. This not only aids in maintaining ecological balance but also enhances the economic viability of farms by providing an additional stream of revenue. The global push towards carbon neutrality, especially within sectors like meat production, urgently needs the incorporation of bioenergy. This approach not only complements existing regenerative practices but also offers a pragmatic solution to the pressing need for sustainable, low-carbon agricultural methods. As the world seeks effective strategies to mitigate climate change impacts, incorporating bioenergy into the discourse on sustainable meat production is essential. It provides a robust tool for achieving environmental goals, building local energy resilience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the agriculture sector. If you want to know more then get to our next event in the agricultural heart of Shepparton - tickets can be purchased here 👇 https://lnkd.in/guuJTuaG #bioenergy, #circulareconomy

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We've been doing a lot of listening by calling our customers and potential shareholders and one big issue has been coming up again and again: food insecurity in the context of food waste. How can we have this shocking problem in Australia when 25% of our produce never leaves the farm because its not pretty enough for supermarkets? One of the things we are most proud about at Good & Fugly is growing the impact we can have helping the food insecure by fighting food waste. Especially when it comes to our kids, 1 in 4 of them go to school without enough to eat. And only 1 in 7 kids get enough fruit and veg. With the cost-of-living crisis this is bound to get worse, but it shouldn't have to. This issue has prompted us to do some extra good with our Birchal raise. For every $1,000 raised during the private offer period, we are committing to giving 5 boxes of fruit and veg to disadvantaged schools where food insecurity is a day-to-day reality for their kids.. If you want to get on board, why not check out our page https://lnkd.in/dhQPSE3i The photo is of the proud winners of G&F's contest to find Australia's Fugliest Fruit or Veg --a much-loved primary school garden and the students and teacher who tend it. Always consider the general CSF risk warning and offer document before investing Leila Oliveira Mike Atkinson

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🥩 With a focus on luxury, taste, and entirely new meat experiences that sets it apart, Vow vows to make cultured meat that consumers will crave. We interviewed CEO & Founder, George Peppou. In it, he reveals how the Australian food tech company is tackling affordability, building a new protein landscape, and why their vision goes beyond replicating existing meats. In this candid interview with Protein Production Technology International editor, Nick Bradley, he discussed many topics ranging from cultivated meat's scaling challenges, the farming lobby, technical progress and, of course, that infamous mammoth meatball: “We wanted to spark a ton of dinner table conversations about what people really want meat to be like in the future. We definitely succeeded, and it got pretty heated at times, which was exactly the point." 🔗 Hear more from George in the full interview: https://hubs.ly/Q02HTshg0 #cultivatedmeat #alternativeproteins #proteinproduction #foodtech #innovation

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“Australia’s climate tech industry has strength and momentum. Global regulation is driving new customers. With the right mix of capital injected now, we can build the industry and jobs of tomorrow.” The 2024 Australian Climate Tech Industry Report was launched yesterday, and here are a few of the key takeaways: 💥 Climate Salad membership has grown to 689 in just 3 years 💻 3770+ jobs currently in climate tech and have grown by 30% 🛤 28% of current jobs are headquartered in regional areas 👩‍💻 43% of climate tech companies have at least one female founder 🌏 73% of Australian climate tech companies intend to expand into a new international market in the next 12 months 💪 By investing now, Australia can lead the global net-zero economy This is an incredible community to be a part of. Climate tech is an ever-growing, dynamic and at times challenging space to operate in. Thank you to Climate Salad for providing these insights and for your ongoing support. 👇 Links to the report as well as the new Australian Climate Tech Insights (ACTI) platform in the comments #climatetech #industryreport #climatesolutions #australia #sustainability #netzero #internationalexpansion

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🔦 ☀ Industry Report Data Spotlight: Global AgriFood Impact with W23 Global Have you checked out the 2024 Australian Climate Tech Industry Report yet? Discover some some amazing stats on the Australian #agrifood climate tech industry with our Report Partner W23 Global "Australia is well-positioned to lead in sustainable agrifood innovation; underpinned by world-class universities and institutions, a nation of tech-friendly farming pioneers and a strong innovation ecosystem. According to Australian Climate Tech Insights (ACTI) data, 60% of Australian climate tech companies in the agrifood sector directly create positive climate impact, while 52% have set measurable climate impact goals" Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gd6U8GPj Download the 2024 Industry Report: https://lnkd.in/dsi8jdNU #climatetech #climateaction #agrifood #impact #globalgrowth #industryreport Natalie Naumovski Alison Dim Alison Bird Mick Liubinskas Olivia Utharntharm

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🥛🇳🇿 New Zealand's Dairy Industry: A Pillar of Economic Strength Despite global challenges, New Zealand's dairy exports continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience: Decades-long cornerstone of the national economy Showing buoyancy in the face of pandemic disruptions Poised to weather potential downturns in East Asian markets What's your take on the future of NZ's dairy sector? How can other industries learn from its adaptability? https://lnkd.in/gFwyqbcW #NewZealandEconomy #DairyIndustry #GlobalTrade #EconomicResilience

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Global #standards can help foster international trade, and open up new export opportunities. However, when it comes to some industries, such as red meat, there are also potential downsides that need to be considered. Very interesting read from one of the country's leading #agtech founders..

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