Silver Fern Farms: Achievements in Sustainability

As New Zealand’s largest red meat exporter, Silver Fern Farms continues to demonstrate global leadership in sustainability. The 2024 Sustainability Scorecard highlights strong progress across climate action, waste reduction, water efficiency, and on-farm sustainability. For foodservice partners, retailers, and consumers alike, the scorecard reinforces Silver Fern Farms’ reputation as a trusted supplier of 100% grass-fed, sustainably farmed New Zealand lamb, beef, and venison.

Key Sustainability Achievements in 2024

1. Cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Silver Fern Farms has taken major steps to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions through the use of industrial heat pumps, wood biomass boilers, and energy efficiency projects. The company is on track to meet its goal of 42% emissions reduction by 2030 (from a 2020 baseline).

2. Reducing Waste Across Operations

• Non-organic waste: Achieved a 20.4% reduction (baseline 2022).
• Organic waste: Achieved a 96.4% reduction (baseline 2021).

These efforts strengthen Silver Fern Farms’ commitment to a circular economy in the meat industry.

3. Smarter Water Use

Through enhanced data-driven management, the business reduced water use intensity by 13.4% (baseline 2021), saving more than 1.7 million cubic metres of water. This is a key milestone in their sustainable processing operations.

4. Supporting Farmers Through NZFAP+

On the farm, sustainability is just as crucial. In 2024, 655 farms were certified under the NZFAP+ (New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme Plus), exceeding the target. This programme supports farmers in delivering nature-positive farming practices and ensures supply chain transparency.

2025 Sustainability Targets

Silver Fern Farms’ 2025 Sustainability Roadmap sets ambitious goals across eight key areas:

• Climate Innovation: Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions tracking through SBTi; 27% operational emissions reduction.
• Nature & Biodiversity: Expand NZFAP+ enrolment to 800 farms, implement biodiversity indexing, and reduce water use intensity by 14%.
• Circular Economy: Increase recycle-ready packaging, eliminate PFAS liners, and sustain waste reduction targets.
• People & Wellbeing: Advance gender equity, support Māori leadership, and enhance employee mental health programmes.
• Innovation: Explore methane-reducing solutions and expand Net Carbon Zero certified products.
• Trust & Connection: Strengthen supplier adherence to codes of conduct, reduce food quality claims, launch upgraded data platforms and customer programmes, and continue enhancing wastewater treatment systems
• Community: Invest over NZD $300,000 in community initiatives and continue support for Meat the Need.
• Cultural Stewardship: Deepen integration of Te Ao Māori principles into business practices.

Why Sustainability Matters for Global Meat Supply

For international trade partners and consumers, the Silver Fern Farms Sustainability Scorecard provides confidence that New Zealand’s premium red meat is produced responsibly. From grass-fed lamb to sustainable beef and venison, every product reflects a commitment to:

• Climate-conscious farming and processing.
• Transparent, independently-verified standards.
• Long-term partnerships with farmers and communities.

Looking Ahead

Silver Fern Farms’ 2024 Sustainability Scorecard is more than just a progress report. It’s proof that New Zealand’s leading meat exporter is driving measurable, science-backed change across the supply chain. With ambitious 2025 targets and strong momentum, the company continues to deliver sustainably farmed, premium quality red meat that meets the needs of both trade customers and environmentally conscious consumers.

Progress, Purpose, and Planet-Positive Leadership

At J&C Pisani, we’re proud to partner with Silver Fern Farms, a global leader in sustainably farmed and exported red meat. In this update, Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer Kate Beddoe shares progress from the 2024 Sustainability Scorecard, highlighting the steps being taken to address key environmental and social priorities. These are some of the key achievements:

• Scope 1 & 2 Carbon emission reduction by 27.8%
• General waste reduction of 20.4% and Organic Waste reduction of 96.4%
• Reduced water use intensity by 13.4%
• 655 supplier registrations to NZFAP+ (80% of farmers)

For us, this means supplying our customers with products that are not only premium in quality but also responsibly and sustainably produced.