Sustainable Kiwifruit Innovation Funds

Zespri has reaffirmed its commitment to the Zespri ZAG Innovation Fund by continuing its annual investment of $2 million. The fund, which was launched in November 2023, aims to accelerate sustainable innovation within the kiwifruit industry. Zespri is focusing on strengthening climate resilience and advancing productivity and carbon-positive practices relevant to kiwifruit. The ZAG Innovation Fund has already received over 100 submissions from more than 15 countries, with 11 moving into pilot programs. These programs focus on four key areas: improving kiwifruit quality and orchard productivity, promoting well-being through kiwifruit consumption, protecting and enhancing nature, and fostering a thriving kiwifruit industry that benefits growers and local communities.

In its second year, the ZAG Innovation Fund will prioritize climate resilience as part of Zespri's pledge to become carbon positive by 2035. The fund will support initiatives that help grow better kiwifruit while nurturing soil health, improving water retention, biodiversity, and carbon storage. Zespri's long-term sustainability targets and goals are closely aligned with the ZAG initiative, which aims to address key challenges faced by the kiwifruit industry. By collaborating with innovators and problem solvers from around the world, Zespri hopes to drive meaningful decarbonization and enhance orchard productivity, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for the kiwifruit industry.

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