The Ireland–New Zealand Joint Research Initiative (JRI)
Minister Noel Grealish and NZ Agriculture Minister Todd McClay signing a joint ministerial statement to extend the Ireland – New Zealand partnership on agricultural climate research beyond 2026.
The Ireland–New Zealand Joint Research Initiative (JRI) is a collaborative research partnership focused on reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions while supporting productive, pasture‑based farming systems in both countries. Both countries are members of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), and the JRI represents a significant contribution to the Alliance’s shared goals.
The initiative was formally launched in 2022 following the signing of a Memorandum of Arrangement between Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
To date it has funded €20 million of GHG mitigation research, particularly addressing the needs of New Zealand and Ireland’s pastural farming systems. In 2026, following the success of the pilot phase 2022-2024, the JRI has been renewed for a second phase, positioning the partnership as a long-term platform for climate focused agricultural research.
The Focus
“Agriculture is at the heart of the Irish and New Zealand economies, and we share the common goal of lowering emissions in pasture-based farming, while supporting farmers to produce more sustainably. – Ireland’s Minister of State Noel Grealish (2026 press release)
Together we can make a step-change in research efforts to drive down agricultural emissions, grow value through climate-friendly products, and help ensure the long-term wellbeing of our environment and people. – New Zealand’s Agriculture Minister Todd McClay (2025 press release)
The JRI research programme addresses shared climate-related challenges in the agriculture sectors of Ireland and New Zealand. These include:
- Reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions from farmed livestock
- Understanding the role of rumen microbes and digestion of feeds on emissions
- Low emissions livestock breeding
- Improved greenhouse gas inventories and measurement
- On farm tools and technologies to support mitigation
The Projects
See summary of all projects downloadable on the right.
During the pilot phase, Ireland and New Zealand jointly invested approximately €20 million to boost research capability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. This investment supported a portfolio of 11 jointly developed research projects, delivered by research teams in both countries.
| Call Year | No. of Projects | Key Focus Areas |
| 2022 | 4 | Methane measurement, inventory accuracy, Rumen biology, Low emission breeding |
| 2023 | 4 | Inventory accuracy, Peat soils, N₂O mitigation, Soil carbon, |
| 2024 | 3 | Farm scale emissions, Urine patch technology |
| 2026+ | TBC | Next phase priorities TBC |
The Next Phase (2026 and beyond)
The Ireland–New Zealand Joint Research Initiative remains a key exemplar of how international collaboration can accelerate progress toward low‑emissions and resilient agricultural systems.
Planning for the next phase of the JRI is currently underway. DAFM and MPI are jointly identifying new priority research areas to ensure continued momentum, stronger integration with policy and farm practice, and lasting global impact.