Zespri's ZAG innovation fund, initiated in 2023, is advancing into its second year, broadening its scope to include Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, with an emphasis on climate resilience. The fund supports pilot projects aimed at enhancing sustainability and innovation within the kiwifruit sector.
Bryan Parkes, Zespri's head of innovation acceleration, reports that the fund received 124 global applications in its inaugural year, selecting 11 for pilot programs. According to Parkes, these projects align with ZAG's core priorities, focusing on technology, resource efficiency, and environmental impact.
Parkes highlights the fund's role in connecting with innovators both locally and internationally. "It has connected us with problem solvers to help address key challenges in the industry as global demand for kiwifruit increases," he states.
Zespri has confirmed an ongoing investment of US$2 million into the fund. Parkes explains that this allows collaboration with external partners, providing technical and financial support to evaluate the commercial viability of new ideas without acquiring equity in the involved companies.
He admits that several viable innovations may have been overlooked in the first year. "We find that applicants value working with a larger commercial partner to develop their ideas further," Parkes notes. "ZAG is creating a pathway for innovators to engage with the kiwifruit sector."
In its second year, ZAG will prioritize projects that have reached early prototype stages or show potential applicability to kiwifruit from other crops or sectors.
This initiative aligns with Zespri's broader sustainability goals, including a target to become carbon-positive by 2035. Parkes acknowledges the industry's increasing exposure to climate change risks, such as extreme weather, shifting growing conditions, and pressure on natural resources.
"ESG-focused projects aim to support sustainable land use, more efficient resource management, and the adoption of farming practices that maintain long-term productivity," he states.
Source: HortNews