Our temperate climate, pure water sources, clean rain and plentiful sunshine hours make New Zealand highly suitable to year-round pastoral farming.
Silver Fern Farms has submitted the following targets to the Science Based Targets Initiative for validation. We expect to have validated targets in early 2025.
- 42% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2020 baseline
- 32.5% absolute reduction in Non FLAG Scope 3 emissions by 2033 from a 2023 baseline
- 24% reduction in intensity of Scope 3 Beef emissions by 2033 from a 2023 baseline
These targets cover 72% of our total emissions.
Other targets we have adopted cover the remainder of our full scope GHG emissions - these targets are not science based as there are no FLAG pathways within SBTi that are specific to sheep and deer:
- 10% absolute reduction of our scope 3 sheep emissions by 2033 from a 2023 baseline
A supplier engagement submission for our venison producers encouraging them to measure emissions and have plans in place to manage and reduce those over time.
Scope 1 and 2 Targets have been in place since 2018 and we have made rapid progress towards our 2030 target by making a 26% reduction in these emissions on our 2020 baseline. This has been mostly achieved by replacing coal boilers used to heat water by electric heat pumps. We have a clear roadmap and capital investment plan out to 2030 to hit this target.
To reduce our scope 3 emissions that mainly come from grass fed sheep deer and cattle when they eat and digest grass. A by-product of the process of turning that grass into protein is the methane that is burped out by the ruminant animals as they digest the grass. That is a natural biological process and takes years of research to understand how we can reduce the loss of methane from that process, without impacting the welfare of the animals or the way they produce meat and other products. Together with the New Zealand Government and other primary sector companies, Silver Fern Farms is investing millions of dollars a year in a joint venture, called AgriZero, to bring solutions into the hands of farmers to address the emissions from livestock. The first of these solutions is expected to be available commercially by 2030 at the latest and will enable us to support farmers to directly reduce emissions. In the meantime thousands of tonnes of CO2 is being sequestered by actively growing trees on our suppliers farms, which helps to balance out the impact of the emissions from livestock until we have a solution to reduce those.
Silver Fern Farms operates multiple processing sites across the country. Our facilities are equipped to handle slaughter, processing, and packaging. That means stringent quality control, adherence to strict food safety standards, compliance with international trade requirements, and efficient distribution.
Customers can choose their product packaging to suit. Currently, we offer products packaged in a liner-less carton or plate frozen naked block. Other packaging and product formats can be developed in consultation with customer partners.
Silver Fern Farms can aid partners in navigating regulatory compliance, both domestically and internationally. Silver Fern Farms' deep understanding of global food safety standards and quality assurance protocols equips their partners to meet stringent food safety regulations in export countries.
Domestic pets thrive on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet rich in high-quality proteins. Their bodies have evolved and adapted over time to get essential nutrients from animal sources. A protein-rich diet helps them maintain healthy muscles, fur, and overall health.
By purchasing pet nutrition ingredients from Silver Fern Farms, you have certainty of access to a year-round supply of premium cervine, bovine, and ovine products. As New Zealand’s largest red meat processor with 14 sites across the country, we have a well-established supply chain that offers our customers efficient, prompt, tailored service.
Nutrition plays a key role in the mobility of our pets—in older animals, even more so. Pet nutrition ingredients sourced from New Zealand are known for their high-quality ingredients because of our rigorous agricultural practices. Our pet nutrition ingredients are rich in vitamins and amino acids, which help protect against damage to cells, proteins, and DNA, all of which can accelerate the aging process in pets and impact their mobility. When combined with appropriate weight management and regular exercise, our pet nutrition ingredients can support optimal joint health and mobility, enhancing the quality of life.
Pet food made with real meat and organs are high in proteins, vitamins, and amino acids, which can play a significant role in maintaining a healthy, shiny coat. Those nutrients help to reinforce the skin's natural protective barrier as well as enhance fur strength and elasticity. Our pet nutrition ingredients are naturally rich in vitamins A and E, as well as zinc and biotin. These nutrients play an important part in the health of a pet’s skin and coat. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to issues like dry skin and a dull coat.
The high-quality protein content of our ingredients plays a pivotal role in sustaining pets' energy levels. Our livestock are grass-fed, free from growth hormones and that means nutrient-dense lean meats. These are important for supporting lean muscle mass and provide essential amino acids, which help the production of hormones and enzymes and assists the immune system. All of these contribute to overall energy levels and vitality.
