• 🌱 Exciting News in Sustainable Agriculture: Introducing Map and Zap® by AgResearch

    In the face of mounting challenges like herbicide resistance, rising chemical costs, labour shortages, and increasing consumer demand for sustainable produce, AgResearch has unveiled a truly transformative solution: Map and Zap® — an AI-powered laser weeding system redefining how weeds are managed on‑farm.

    Developed under the leadership of Dr Kioumars Ghamkhar and a multidisciplinary team of AI, imaging, robotics, and laser-engineering experts, Map and Zap® brings a game‑changing approach to weed control. This technology uses trained AI models to detect unwanted weed species at their earliest stages—just 2–3 leaves—and then targets these weeds with precision lasers to “zap” them instantly. That means no herbicides, no soil disturbance, no chemical residues, and no carbon or microbiome impact—but a >90% kill rate.
    (agresearch.co.nz)

    Early trials have been outstanding. A prototype was showcased in a Canterbury vineyard in mid‑2024, impressing growers and industry experts alike. Observers praised its precision and potential to reduce reliance on chemicals while supporting soil health and productivity.
    (farmersweekly.co.nz)

    Industry commentators have been equally enthusiastic:

    • Heath Stafford, wine industry adviser: “We can’t get rid of herbicides immediately, if at all, but we do need to embark on a technology pathway that largely eliminates their use. If we can prove Map and Zap® here, I think it’s got a fantastic chance of being successful on the global stage.”
      (Chris Lynch Media, farmersweekly.co.nz)
    • Eitan Dan, MD for CropX Australasia: “This is the exact thing when you are saying precision agriculture. You are dealing precisely with a problem without harming everything around it.”
      (farmersweekly.co.nz)

    The economic potential is vast. Weeds cost New Zealand agriculture over NZD 1.7 billion annually; in Australia and the US, the figures rise to AUD 3.3 billion and USD 33 billion respectively. And the global herbicide market is valued at around USD 40 billion. AgResearch estimates Map and Zap® could tap into a USD 6.4 billion segment across key farming systems including horticulture, pasture, oilseed, and rice.
    (agresearch.co.nz)

    What’s next? The Map and Zap® team is seeking commercial partnerships and investment to accelerate development into full production. The system is adaptable—it can be mounted on tractors, robotic ground vehicles, or drones—making it suitable for vineyards, orchards, vegetable fields, and pasture management alike.
    (agresearch.co.nz)

    AgResearch is actively engaging with investors and industry partners to launch a Map and Zap® spin‑out company. With over 50 farmers, forestry operators, and global agritech experts already consulted, demand is high. The goal? Scale globally across markets like New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Southeast Asia.
    (growag.com)

    Why it matters to the agri‑community:

    • A viable pathway to dramatically reduce herbicide use without sacrificing yield or efficiency.
    • Precision targeting that protects crops, soil health, and the surrounding environment.
    • Potential cost savings by replacing manual or chemical methods with scalable automation.
    • Alignment with global sustainability trends and regulatory pressures on chemical residues and environmental impact.
    • A shining example of New Zealand’s innovation in agritech and cross-sector R&D.

    ➡️ Join the conversation: Keen to learn more or explore partnership or investment opportunities with Map and Zap®? Feel free to connect or comment below—we’d love to open the dialogue.

    AgResearch’s Map and Zap® is more than innovation—it’s the next frontier in smart, sustainable weed management. Let’s bring it to growers everywhere.

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  • Australian Innovation for a Sustainable Future

    Change Foods is a unique food-tech company with a mission to disrupt the dairy industry. Founded in 2020 by an Australian-US team, they’re taking the concept of “alternative dairy” a step further. Instead of relying on plant-based substitutes, Change Foods leverages the power of precision fermentation. This innovative approach uses friendly microbes to create the same proteins and fats found in traditional dairy products – but without involving any animals.

    From Aerospace Engineer to Cheesemaker: The Story Behind Change Foods

    David Bucca, Change Foods’ co-founder, brings an unexpected background to the table. Originally an aerospace engineer at Boeing, David’s passion for sustainability and ethical food systems led him to food innovation. Partnering with Professor of Bioengineering, Junior Te’o, they envisioned a future where delicious dairy products wouldn’t come at the environmental and ethical cost of conventional dairy farming.

    Change Foods’ headquarters are located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. However, their Australian roots run deep. They maintain a strong presence in Australia, with ongoing research and development happening at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane. This Brisbane lab is where the magic happens – where scientists are developing the first prototypes of Change Foods’ animal-free dairy products.

    What Makes Change Foods Different?

    Plant-based dairy alternatives have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. While Change Foods acknowledges the value of plant-based options, their focus lies on replicating dairy at a more fundamental level. Through precision fermentation, they can create the exact same casein and fats (lipids) found in milk.

    Here’s a breakdown of the science:

    • Precision Fermentation: Microbes are essentially tiny factories. Change Foods identifies and selects specific microbes that can be “programmed” to produce the desired dairy proteins and fats through a fermentation process.
    • Bioidentical Dairy: The proteins and fats produced by the microbes are identical to those found in cow’s milk. This means Change Foods’ products have the same taste, texture, and functionality as traditional dairy.
    • Sustainable and Ethical: Precision fermentation uses significantly less land and water than conventional dairy farming. Additionally, it avoids the ethical concerns associated with animal agriculture.

    Change Foods: A Win for Consumers, the Planet, and Animals

    We dream of a world with a
    thriving and sustainable food
    system that is kind to people,
    animals and the planet.

    Change Foods’ mission goes beyond simply offering a delicious dairy alternative. Here’s how their approach benefits consumers, the environment, and animal welfare:

    • For Consumers: Change Foods promises dairy products that are indistinguishable from the traditional kind, but potentially with additional health benefits and without the lactose. This caters to a growing segment of consumers seeking sustainable and ethically-sourced dairy options without compromising on taste or experience.
    • For the Planet: Conventional dairy farming has a significant environmental footprint. Change Foods’ precision fermentation process requires less land and water, contributing to a more sustainable food system.
    • For Animals: Change Foods’ products eliminate the need for animal agriculture, promoting better animal welfare.

    Change Foods: A Look at the Future

    Change Foods is still in the early stages of development. However, they have already garnered significant recognition within the food-tech industry. In 2022, they received a $1 million grant from the Australian Commonwealth Government to support their research into sustainable feedstock for their fermentation process.

    With a growing team of scientists and a commitment to innovation, Change Foods is poised to revolutionize the dairy industry. Their approach offers a glimpse into a future where we can enjoy delicious and nutritious dairy products without harming the environment or animals.

    This is just the beginning of Change Foods’ story. As they continue to develop their products and reach the market, they have the potential to reshape the way we think about – and consume – dairy.

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  • AlgiKnit is creating eco-conscious, renewable yarns for the circular economy. We’re developing durable yet rapidly degradable yarns from kelp, one of the most regenerative organisms on the planet. Our material is built for everyone: a functional and accessible resource without environmental harm. We’re envisioning a future where the textile industry operates in a closed-loop product lifecycle, utilizing materials with a significantly lower footprint than conventional textiles.

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