Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will promote what is being hailed as the world’s first carbon neutral beef during her United States trade mission this week.
Ardern will join senior staff from Silver Fern Farms to promote the company’s branded net carbon zero Angus ribeye, New York strip steaks, ground beef and other cuts that have been on sale in the US for the five weeks.
The Prime Minister will front a function in New York on Wednesday morning, NZ time.
Trade Minister Damian O’Connor will join her in leading a delegation showcasing NZ technology and tourism companies along with Zespri and Fonterra.
Net carbon zero beef was developed by SFF following a two-year pilot programme that independently and scientifically assessed the carbon emitted and carbon sequestered by indigenous vegetation on 17 farms.
The findings have been certified and audited by Toitū Envirocare, a NZ carbon emissions management company, and the US Food and Drug Administration.
Net carbon zero beef, soon to be followed by lamb and venison, quantifies the reality that most NZ sheep and beef farmers have areas of indigenous vegetation sequestering carbon, enabling producers to respond to consumer demand for carbon neutral food.
While in the US Ardern will visit New York, Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco and Seattle promoting tourism, trade, meeting financiers and politicians.
While in Boston she will make the commencement address at the 371st Harvard Commencement ceremony.
