The a2 Milk Company and Lincoln University partner to support sustainable dairy farming

The a2 Milk Company is partnering with Lincoln University to launch an initiative to support sustainable dairy farming projects in New Zealand.

The Farm Sustainability Fund, launched today, is a collaboration between The a2 Milk Company and Lincoln University, New Zealand’s only specialist land-based university. The a2 Milk Company will provide up to $500,000 to the Fund in the first year to enable fund grants for farm projects that demonstrate an integrated approach to a sustainable future and enable a positive and meaningful impact across the community and environment.

The Fund is open to New Zealand farms that supply milk under contract with Mataura Valley Milk Limited or Synlait Milk Limited for use in the manufacture of products for The a2 Milk Company. (

Applications for this year’s awards will be open from 23 May and close on 4 July 2022.

Announcing the launch of the Fund, the Managing Director and CEO of The a2 Milk Company, David Bortolussi, said:

“We’re excited to be involved in a venture that has enormous potential to benefit dairy farmers, our communities and the environment. The Fund brings together a2MC’s determination to deliver on our sustainability strategy and Lincoln’s internationally-renowned knowledge in all facets of agriculture and agribusiness – along with the commitment and operating excellence of our milk supply partners.

“We know there are farmer suppliers with innovative and important projects they would be keen to get under way. The Fund can help many of these to happen by providing extra financial support to make them more viable, to the benefit of the farmers/suppliers and at the same time promoting the spread of good ideas and good practice through the farming community.”

LU Research Management Office Director, Professor Travis Glare said, “Lincoln University is committed to researching, teaching and showcasing practices and approaches that will advance a more productive and sustainable future for Aotearoa New Zealand.

It’s through like-minded partnerships such as with The a2 Milk Company, that we can effectively make the most of our collective expertise in helping shape a better, more sustainable world.

Awards will be made on the basis of Assessment Criteria that include alignment with The a2 Milk Company’s sustainability objectives and one or more of its key environmental improvement themes:

  • Lowering greenhouse gas emissions
  • Increasing on-farm carbon sequestration
  • Improving farm system resilience
  • Improving water quality and efficiency
  • Enhancing on-farm biodiversity
  • Animal wellbeing/health
  • Managing and improving soil health

Applications will be assessed by The a2 Milk Company and Lincoln University New Zealand Farm Sustainability Fund Investment Committee.

Funding is generally available up to $35,000 (GST excl.) per award.

 Source:  Lincoln University

Author: Bob Edlin

Editor of AgScience Magazine and Editor of the AgScience Blog