Zespri's Innovation Fund Launches Second Year to Enhance Sustainability and Productivity in Kiwifruit Industry
The Zespri ZAG Innovation Fund has officially commenced its second year with a renewed commitment to drive sustainable development within the kiwifruit sector. As the leading kiwifruit marketer globally, with annual revenues exceeding $2.5 billion and controlling a third of the world's kiwifruit supply, Zespri is at the forefront of agricultural innovation. The ZAG Fund, initially launched in November 2023, is designed to identify and harness innovative methods that can significantly enhance both orchard productivity and environmental sustainability.
Zespri has reaffirmed its investment of USD 2 million in the ZAG Fund, aiming to expand its support for innovative solutions that align with a growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices in agriculture. During the fund's inaugural year, Zespri received over 100 proposals from innovators across more than 15 countries. Among these, 11 projects have transitioned into pilot programs, focusing on three key themes: enhancing kiwifruit quality and production efficiency, promoting benefits of kiwifruit for human health, and implementing eco-friendly methods that protect natural ecosystems.
The four primary areas of focus for these initiatives include:
1. Kiwifruit Quality and Productivity: Enhancing the quality and yield of kiwifruit through various innovative techniques—one approach is the application of biochar, a carbon-rich material used to improve soil health while concurrently lowering greenhouse gas emissions effective for orchard productivity.
2. Wellness Promotion: Initiatives aiming to increase consumer awareness regarding the health benefits of kiwifruit consumption, creating a positive impact on public health through nutrition.
3. Environmental Protection: Projects dedicated to conserving and improving biodiversity, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring that kiwifruit farming is sustainable and regenerative.
4. Community and Economic Thriving: Supporting local growers by creating value-driven economic opportunities and enhancing community resilience in relation to the fruit industry.
The ZAG Fund has already embarked on developing several pilot initiatives, including innovative technologies that use chemical sensors to optimize fruit harvesting processes based on the fruit's unique chemical signals. This method of using non-destructive quality assessment not only conserves resources but further minimizes waste.
Jiunn Shih, Zespri's Chief Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability Officer, expresses enthusiasm regarding the first year's outcomes. "Our initial year with ZAG has fostered a strong network of global innovators meeting various challenges in our industry. However, we recognize that we are just at the beginning of this journey," he noted. Looking ahead, he emphasizes a sharpened focus for the second year aimed at fortifying efforts in climate resilience.
To facilitate this, Zespri will update the focus areas of the ZAG Fund quarterly, starting with a concentrated effort on climate resilience as part of its ambitious pledge to achieve carbon positivity by the year 2035. Future themes may include additional priorities that emerge from ongoing environmental challenges within agricultural practices.
As the kiwifruit industry faces a pressing need for sustainable practices, ZAG plays an essential role in supporting agricultural resilience while maximizing orchard productivity. With a multinational grower network exceeding 4,000, Zespri is well-positioned to leverage the innovations garnered through this fund to benefit both the environment and the communities involved in kiwifruit production.
For those interested in applying or learning more about the ZAG Fund, further information can be found on the Zespri website. This initiative not only illustrates Zespri's commitment to a sustainable future but also underscores the importance of collaborative innovation in addressing global agricultural challenges.
Zespri’s progressive approach serves as a model for the future of agriculture, affirming that sustainability and productivity can travel hand-in-hand, ensuring a prosperous outlook for kiwifruit growers worldwide.
Zespri has reaffirmed its investment of USD 2 million in the ZAG Fund, aiming to expand its support for innovative solutions that align with a growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices in agriculture. During the fund's inaugural year, Zespri received over 100 proposals from innovators across more than 15 countries. Among these, 11 projects have transitioned into pilot programs, focusing on three key themes: enhancing kiwifruit quality and production efficiency, promoting benefits of kiwifruit for human health, and implementing eco-friendly methods that protect natural ecosystems.
The four primary areas of focus for these initiatives include:
1. Kiwifruit Quality and Productivity: Enhancing the quality and yield of kiwifruit through various innovative techniques—one approach is the application of biochar, a carbon-rich material used to improve soil health while concurrently lowering greenhouse gas emissions effective for orchard productivity.
2. Wellness Promotion: Initiatives aiming to increase consumer awareness regarding the health benefits of kiwifruit consumption, creating a positive impact on public health through nutrition.
3. Environmental Protection: Projects dedicated to conserving and improving biodiversity, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring that kiwifruit farming is sustainable and regenerative.
4. Community and Economic Thriving: Supporting local growers by creating value-driven economic opportunities and enhancing community resilience in relation to the fruit industry.
The ZAG Fund has already embarked on developing several pilot initiatives, including innovative technologies that use chemical sensors to optimize fruit harvesting processes based on the fruit's unique chemical signals. This method of using non-destructive quality assessment not only conserves resources but further minimizes waste.
Jiunn Shih, Zespri's Chief Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability Officer, expresses enthusiasm regarding the first year's outcomes. "Our initial year with ZAG has fostered a strong network of global innovators meeting various challenges in our industry. However, we recognize that we are just at the beginning of this journey," he noted. Looking ahead, he emphasizes a sharpened focus for the second year aimed at fortifying efforts in climate resilience.
To facilitate this, Zespri will update the focus areas of the ZAG Fund quarterly, starting with a concentrated effort on climate resilience as part of its ambitious pledge to achieve carbon positivity by the year 2035. Future themes may include additional priorities that emerge from ongoing environmental challenges within agricultural practices.
As the kiwifruit industry faces a pressing need for sustainable practices, ZAG plays an essential role in supporting agricultural resilience while maximizing orchard productivity. With a multinational grower network exceeding 4,000, Zespri is well-positioned to leverage the innovations garnered through this fund to benefit both the environment and the communities involved in kiwifruit production.
For those interested in applying or learning more about the ZAG Fund, further information can be found on the Zespri website. This initiative not only illustrates Zespri's commitment to a sustainable future but also underscores the importance of collaborative innovation in addressing global agricultural challenges.
Zespri’s progressive approach serves as a model for the future of agriculture, affirming that sustainability and productivity can travel hand-in-hand, ensuring a prosperous outlook for kiwifruit growers worldwide.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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