The fund was established in Australia by The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) in 2017 and expanded into New Zealand in 2022.
It supports projects that demonstrate an integrated approach to a sustainable future and enable a positive and meaningful impact across the welfare of their cows, community and environment.
In the latest round of funding, 19 projects have been selected to receive grants.
Successful applicants were notified in mid-April, with projects set to start from early May onwards. Each project can receive up to $30,000 in funding.
Examples of successful projects include initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing diesel-operated machinery with electric machinery run through solar, improving soil health through the introduction of multispecies pasture, and constructing calf sheds to provide shade and shelter to animals.
The fund is open to eligible farmers who are contracted to supply A1 protein free milk in Australia or NZ for use in a2MC’s products.
In Australia, the fund’s operations have been supported through collaboration with Landcare Australia.
Leo and Sue Cleary, who farm in NSW, said this was their sixth grant from the a2 Farm Sustainability Fund.
“We received our first award in 2017 and would like to thank The a2 Milk Company for being open to multiple applications and awards over this period,” Leo said.
“It’s enabled us to make continuous improvements on our farm over the years including reducing fertiliser use, improving water quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving animal welfare.
“The grants have allowed us to future proof our farm and protect our herd.”
The Clearys’ funded project for 2025 involves implementing an innovative approach to gain insights on their herd. This initiative aims to optimise feed and pasture use, enhancing animal welfare and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The a2 Milk Company chief sustainability officer Jaron McVicar said it was encouraging to see the diverse range of applications received each year and the impact the fund is making.
“We’ve had farmers awarded funding over multiple rounds, building on their projects year-on-year, as well as farmers applying for the first time,” he said.
“It’s great that we can support positive environmental outcomes on-farm for those who are early in their sustainability journey and those who already have long-term plans in place to improve their farming practices.”
Applications to the a2TM Farm Sustainability Fund are reviewed by a committee comprised of experts in regenerative agriculture, soil health, animal health and wellbeing and farming systems.
Evaluation is based on criteria aligned to The a2 Milk Company’s sustainability objectives and key priority areas, which include:
- Reduce on-farm greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improve resilience or adapt to climate change.
- Improve animal health and wellbeing.
- Improve soil health and soil carbon sequestration.
- Reduce effluent run-off and enhance water quality.
- Increase water use efficiency.
- Increase on-farm natural and indigenous biodiversity.
- Adapt farm management systems to environmental challenges and opportunities.
- Control and protect against invasive species.
- Build sustainable communities.
- Enhance employee health, safety and wellbeing.
- Support people development opportunities.
For more information. go to: https://thea2milkcompany.com/
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