Ballance and Yara to pilot low-carbon fertilizer range in New Zealand

Ballance Agri-Nutrients has partnered with Norwegian producer Yara to pilot a lower-carbon range of specialty fertilizers in New Zealand, targeting horticultural and arable growers who supply international food manufacturers.

The initiative introduces the Yara Climate Choice range, produced using renewable ammonia or through carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which cuts the manufacturing carbon footprint by up to 70% compared with Yara’s standard products. New Zealand will be the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to launch the range.

Aaron Stafford, Ballance’s national corporate accounts and technical services manager, said demand for low-emission production is increasing as global brands face tighter supply chain reporting and climate targets.

“Major grocery and food brands such as PepsiCo and UK retailer Waitrose now expect their suppliers to measure and reduce emissions,” Stafford said. “This range will support growers in meeting those expectations, particularly in premium export markets where New Zealand has a strong presence.”

Fertilizer underpins about 41% of New Zealand’s agricultural export value, according to Ballance, and is seen as a key lever for improving efficiency and environmental performance.

Beda Merkelbach, Yara’s senior vice president for Asia-Pacific, said the partnership reflects a broader push to decarbonise food production. “Working together across the supply chain with innovative solutions will help cultivate a better future for agriculture and food production,” he said.

Ballance is initially piloting lower-carbon versions of three widely used fertilizers—YaraBela CAN, YaraMila Complex and YaraLiva Nitrabor—commonly applied in vegetable and kiwifruit production systems.