AgriZeroNZ Steps Up Support For ‘Holy Grail’ Methane Vaccine

• AgriZeroNZ has committed to a USD $3.5 million (approx. NZD $5.9 million) follow-on investment in US company ArkeaBio.
• ArkeaBio is developing a methane vaccine for livestock, which is widely recognised as the ‘holy grail’ to reduce agricultural emissions at low cost and large scale.
• The investment allows for animal trials to be expanded to New Zealand, targeting a first product in market in 2028.

AgriZeroNZ is investing a further USD $3.5 million (approx. NZD $5.9 million) in ArkeaBio, one of the leaders in the global race to develop a methane vaccine for livestock.

The Boston-based agricultural bioscience company is the first to have demonstrated methane reduction in cattle from a vaccine.

AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee says its follow-on investment recognises ArkeaBio’s progress and the immense opportunity for New Zealand’s pasture-based farmers.

“A vaccine has the potential to reduce agricultural emissions at scale by providing a low cost, high-impact solution for a range of farming systems,” says McNee.

“As an export-reliant country, New Zealand farms need to stay ahead of the curve and step up to the challenge of meeting the global demand for climate action.

“We’re pleased to continue backing ArkeaBio as part of our efforts to provide Kiwi farmers with a toolkit of options to reduce emissions and retain access to high-value markets.”

Since AgriZeroNZ’s initial investment of USD $6M in 2024, ArkeaBio has made significant scientific progress.

The company’s been working with researchers at Texas A&M University, with trials showing ArkeaBio’s vaccine successfully reduces methane emissions from cattle. The vaccine works by stimulating a cow’s immune system to produce natural antibodies that neutralise methane-producing microbes in the rumen (a part of the stomach).

Newly-appointed CEO Frank Wooten says the team has advanced to a second-generation vaccine formulation, focusing on increasing commercial viability and animal productivity.

“With our vaccine advancing toward real-world deployment, we’re focused on delivering measurable emissions reductions, as well as tangible value to farmers and producers worldwide.”

Wooten says the company is aiming to produce a vaccine that’s effective for 6 months or more and is on track to achieve its target methane reduction of 20%.

The Series A1 funding round was co-led by AgriZeroNZ and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a US fund with US $3.5 billion in committed capital. ArkeaBio’s strong progress resulted in an increased company valuation, boosting AgriZeroNZ’s initial investment.

Wooten says the new funding will allow ArkeaBio to continue refining its vaccine and carry out further animal trials, including its first in New Zealand.

“We’re prioritising making our vaccine available to New Zealand farmers and are hoping to launch the first product in 2028,” he says.

During visits to New Zealand, ArkeaBio has met with ministers and a range of AgriZeroNZ’s investors, including the Ministry for Primary Industries, to discuss its path to market.

"New Zealand’s special combination of public-private collaboration, and track record of agricultural innovation make it an ideal place for us to launch,” says Wooten.

“Trialling our vaccine in New Zealand is an exciting next step to prove its effectiveness and safety in the pastoral farming conditions. We’re excited to have AgriZeroNZ’s support to bring this solution to farmers,” he says.

To date, AgriZeroNZ has invested in 14 companies and research initiatives to accelerate the development and commercialisation of tools, including Kiwi company Lucidome Bio which is also developing a methane vaccine.

“We’re backing a range of options – probiotics, inhibitors, vaccines and pastures – because we know farmers will want choices, and some early-stage ventures may not make it to the farm at all,” says Wayne McNee.

“This follow-on investment in ArkeaBio reflects AgriZeroNZ’s commitment to global collaboration and the development of practical solutions that help farmers reduce emissions and protect New Zealand’s competitive edge.”

About AgriZeroNZ

AgriZeroNZ is a world-first public-private partnership accelerating the development of tools to help farmers reduce emissions without compromising profitability and productivity. Established on 1 February 2023, AgriZeroNZ is half owned by the New Zealand government through the Ministry for Primary Industries and the other half owned by major agribusiness companies and banks - The a2 Milk Company, ANZ Bank New Zealand, ANZCO, ASB Bank, BNZ, Fonterra, Rabobank, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms and Synlait.

Private sector funding is matched by Government, dollar-for-dollar, to provide $191 million over AgriZeroNZ’s first four years.

AgriZeroNZ’s ambition is to ensure all farmers in Aotearoa New Zealand have equitable access to affordable, effective solutions to reduce biogenic methane and nitrous oxides emissions, with a goal of supporting a 30% reduction by 2030 and drive towards ‘near zero’ by 2040. www.agrizero.nz

About ArkeaBio

ArkeaBio is a global agricultural bioscience company pioneering the first methane-reducing vaccine for cattle. It aims to equip farmers with a safe, simple tool to reduce emissions and feed a growing world. ArkeaBio’s solution is suited for smallholders and multinational producers alike, combining reach, value and climate impact. Backed by leading climate and agriculture investors, ArkeaBio is opening new potential revenues and productivity gains for farmers, while unlocking a multibillion-dollar methane reduction market. With one tiny shot, ArkeaBio supports farmers, brands, consumers and our climate. www.arkeabio.com

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