We are committed to supporting a holistic approach to farming focused on outcomes measurement and continuous improvement rather than inputs. At Silver Fern Farms we are underpinning our approach to nature positive in four key areas, which align with the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme Plus (NZFAP+) standard and will help us continue to meet consumer expectations for premium quality, sustainably grown red meat. These are:

• Climate & Emissions
• Biodiversity
• Soil Health 
• Water Quality
• Animal Welfare

We are proud to share that in 2025 we have received validation from the gold standard in corporate emissions reporting, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) of a full set of Near-Term commitments. 

Silver Fern Farms now have science based targets across all of our main emissions sources and we are one of, if not the first company in the world to have a validated beef only target. We have committed to a 16% reduction in beef intensity by 2032 and to reduce our combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 (from a 2020 base year).

We are also on track to hit our zero coal in processing by 2030 target.

'Net Carbon Zero by Nature' is our unique approach to offering a range of Net Carbon Zero products, where the equivalent of 100% of end-to-end emissions have been absorbed by trees growing within the farms where the animals were raised. We are using whole-of farm thinking to utilise all woody vegetation on farms to provide positive benefit.​

Silver Fern Farms are supporting and incentivising our farmers to protect, restore and add to the amount of native bush and tree plantings – gullies, riparian areas, fence lines, summer shade and shelter belts, so that our farm environments are better able to capture carbon, and become more biodiverse. 

What is ‘Net Carbon Zero by Nature’? 

'Net Carbon Zero by Nature' means that the total emissions generated by each kilogram of product sold, need to be balanced to net zero, by actively growing permanent vegetation (removals) occurring on the group of farms that supply the product. ​

To achieve and maintain our Net Carbon Zero by Nature certification, these emissions and removals need to be independently measured and verified, from plate to pasture and we need to commit to reducing these emissions over time.​

• Silver Fern Farms' Climate Change Risk and Opportunities Disclosure
• Silver Fern Farms' Carbon Roadmap
• Silver Fern Farms' Climate Action and Transition Targets and Pathways
• Silver Fern Farms’ 2022 Greenhouse Gas Inventory
• Silver Fern Farms' 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory (Data Update)
• Silver Fern Farms' Sustainability Policy

We know that effective collaboration and learning from others is essential in working towards a more sustainable future. Silver Fern Farms is proud to be a:

• Foundation members of the Climate Leaders Coalition
• Leading partner of the Aotearoa Circle
• Founding signatory to the Kai Commitment on food waste
• Founding partner in the AgriZero NZ methane reduction joint venture
• Member of the Sustainable Business Council
• Founding participant of the New Zealand Roundtable for Sustainable Beef 
• Founding Corporate Member of The Prince of Wales's Business & Sustainability Programme in Australia - Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership