Fonterra Struggles to Meet Emission Reduction Goals Amidst Flat Farm Emissions

Fonterra, a leading dairy cooperative in New Zealand, is facing challenges in reducing its carbon emissions. As of 2025, Fonterra reported that it had only achieved a 3.8% reduction in emissions intensity, falling significantly short of its 2030 target of a 30% reduction compared to 2018 levels. This data was highlighted by BusinessDesk's Carbon Catch-up project.

In the financial year 2025, Fonterra's emissions were reported at 26.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), accounting for 54.3% of the entire NZX50 emissions. Scope 3 agricultural emissions, primarily methane, constituted approximately 25 million tCO₂e of Fonterra's total emissions.

Fonterra's emission reduction efforts are crucial, given its significant contribution to New Zealand's overall emissions. The cooperative's annual meeting, scheduled for December 2025 in Christchurch, may address these challenges and discuss future strategies to meet its environmental commitments.