Fonterra, a New Zealand-based multinational dairy cooperative, announced a two-year pilot of the EcoPond system aimed at reducing methane emissions from effluent ponds in New Zealand’s Waikato and Southland regions. Developed by Agnition and Lincoln University, EcoPond uses polyferric sulphate and sulphuric acid to reduce methane by over 90%. This trial aligns with Fonterra’s target to cut on-farm emissions intensity by 30% by 2030.
Fonterra, the New Zealand-based multinational dairy cooperative and one of the world’s largest exporters of dairy products, has initiated a major environmental pilot program in the regions of Waikato and Southland. The two-year trial focuses on implementing the EcoPond system, a breakthrough technology aimed at reducing methane emissions from effluent ponds on dairy farms.
The initiative is part of Fonterra’s commitment to reduce on-farm emissions intensity by 30% by 2030. Developed in collaboration with Agnition and Lincoln University, the EcoPond system uses a combination of polyferric sulphate and sulphuric acid to treat dairy effluent. Early trials have shown methane reductions of up to 97%, making it a promising solution for the cooperative’s sustainability goals.
Unlike traditional setups that require fixed infrastructure, the new version of EcoPond features a truck-based portable dosing system. This approach significantly lowers the upfront investment for farmers and allows more flexibility in application. Fonterra’s Director of Sustainability, Charlotte Rutherford, emphasized the importance of accessible innovation: “This technology supports our long-term environmental objectives while ensuring our farmers can adopt it with minimal disruption and cost.”
The pilot will involve up to 200 farms, with registration open from early May and participant selection scheduled by the end of June. Funding for the pilot will be provided by Fonterra along with new customer incentives aimed at supporting sustainable farming practices.
Jasper Van Halder, CEO of Agnition, highlighted the broader implications of the project: “EcoPond is more than a product—it’s a service model designed to deliver measurable environmental impact at scale. Our work with Fonterra proves that sustainability and productivity can go hand in hand.”
The pilot builds on Fonterra’s previous sustainability efforts, reinforcing its role as a leader in environmentally responsible dairy production.
