About the ZNE‑Ag CRC
The Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE‑Ag CRC) is a 10‑year national initiative established in 2024 to develop technologies, systems, and capacity that enable Australian agriculture to transition to a lower‑emissions future. It is funded by the Australian Government’s CRC Program and partners, with $87 million in Commonwealth support within a $300 million collaborative effort.
The CRC brings together Australia’s foremost research, industry, and supply-chain organisations.
Universities and Research Partners
Research & Development Corporations (RDCs)
Government & Public Agencies
Agribusiness & Supply-Chain Partners
Technology Partners
Producers & Industry Networks
The CRC brings together Australia’s foremost research, industry and supply-chain organisations: Universities and research partners such as University of Queensland, University of Western Australia, University of New England and University of Melbourne; government and public agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, state governments and RDC’s; agribusiness and supply-chain companies including Corteva Agriscience, DLF Seeds, Elders Limited and Coles Group; and technology/data integrators like AxisTech and Green Ag Tech. Together, this high-calibre consortium is driving the transition of Australian agriculture to net-zero emissions.
Research is structured around four programs:
- Low‑emissions plant solutions
- Towards methane‑free cattle and sheep
- Whole‑farm and mixed‑enterprise systems analysis
- Delivering value from net zero (circular economy, markets, climate credentials, and trade).
AxisTech’s Role
AxisTech supported the CRC during its bid phase and now leads an AgTech consortium as a founding partner of the CRC. AxisTech participates across multiple programs and projects to co‑design, integrate, and scale practical, technology‑driven research adoption and practice change with researchers, producers and supply‑chain partners. Managing Director Wes Lawrence sits on several project steering committees and is a member of the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), helping shape investment priorities and project impact.
CRC Projects with AxisTech Involvement
Low‑Methane Feedbase for Northern Australia
Developing feedbase knowledge that naturally reduces livestock methane emissions by up to 40%. This collaborative research identifies methane reducing plants endemic in northern environments and tests AgTech tools to map feedbase composition and livestock intake—enabling scalable measurement and management of on‑farm methane reduction in Northern beef systems.
Enhanced Efficiency Fertiliser Evaluation
Creating a national framework to assess and guide investment in next‑generation fertilisers. The project co‑designs evaluation tools with industry to measure greenhouse‑gas outcomes, product performance, and cost‑effectiveness—supporting adoption of fertilisers that reduce nitrous oxide while maintaining yield and profitability.
Circular Fertilisers from Waste
Turning waste streams into high‑performance biofertilisers. This project designs plant nutrient aligned fertilisers that recycle nutrients, cut nitrous‑oxide emissions, and boost soil health—linking waste‑to‑value innovation with practical nutrition outcomes for Australian cropping systems.
Traceability & Emissions Data
Mapping how agricultural traceability and data‑sharing systems can support emissions reporting. This research investigates current standards, protocols and platforms, identifies gaps and interoperability challenges, and highlights opportunities to align future CRC and industry investment with national traceability frameworks.
Why It Matters
Achieving climate-positive and resilient food production is one of the greatest challenges facing Australian agriculture. The ZNE-Ag CRC plays a vital role in building the science, partnerships, and practical tools to help producers and agri-industries thrive in a low-emissions economy. By combining deep research capability with on-farm implementation, the CRC enables genuine progress towards net-zero agriculture while strengthening productivity, soil health, and biodiversity outcomes.
AxisTech’s involvement ensures that technology sits at the heart of this transformation. As technologists who understand the vitally important role data, sensing, automation, and digital platforms play in research adoption and practice change at scale, AxisTech connects the CRC’s innovations with producers through technology. This integration of science and technology allows climate-positive solutions to be implemented faster, measured more accurately, and scaled sustainably—supporting a future where Australian agriculture remains both profitable and environmentally positive and resilient.
External links & references
“Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre”
– https://zneagcrc.com.au/“Australian Government CRC Program announcement” – https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/media-releases/new-research-centres-tackle-methane-emissions-and-plastic-pollution
“CRC Milestone 4.4 references” – https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/partnership-spur-emission-cuts