As the world rapidly phases out fossil fuels, transformational agriculture practices are set to play a major role by embracing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. This shift includes the use of electric and alternative fuel-powered machinery, improving soil health, and boosting carbon sequestration through regenerative practices. By cutting emissions from fertilizers and pesticides and optimizing water management, fossil fuel-free farming seeks to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint, contribute to climate change mitigation, and create more resilient, sustainable food systems.
The Lincoln University Energy Farm is a world-class, multi-use site that not only demonstrates how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated with agricultural land use but also acts as a catalyst for making other parts of the economy, including the Lincoln University campus, fossil-free. By enabling the campus and other sectors to transition away from fossil fuels, the energy farm stands as a beacon of hope for rapidly decarbonizing the world and limiting global warming.
The farm’s strategic goals include advancing knowledge and skills in sustainable energy-agriculture practices through research and education, supporting the University's sustainability objectives—such as achieving a carbon-neutral campus by 2030—and improving on-farm biodiversity and water quality. Additionally, the farm fosters reciprocal learning opportunities for tangata whenua, industry partners, and the wider community. Operationally, it focuses on six key areas: renewable electricity production, high-value horticulture, improved water quality, increased biodiversity and ecosystem services, serving as an experimental research platform, and promoting community engagement.
Tuesday 17th September
4.00pm - 5.30pm
B.linc Workshop, Lincoln University