New Zealand Zero was born from a desire, and need, to eliminate fossil fuel used in the growing and harvesting of produce. As a trio of passionate co-founders, we were told it couldn’t happen, that it was too expensive, and that it was too much effort. Our response: not only is it not true, but it has to happen – for the future of our planet, our environment, and our people.
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And so, we forged ahead. Our first orchard – Forest Lodge – was set up in 2019 by one of our co-founders. Initially allowing for fossil fuel use, we quickly recognised that change was needed and converted everything on orchard to zero fossil fuels. Day-to-day operations on the orchard including irrigation, frost fighting fans, and orchard vehicles now use the latest electric technology. Plus we’ve installed extensive on-site solar power.  This means we can proudly say that the produce grown from this orchard is done so without using any fossil fuels. 
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The success of Forest Lodge Orchard in converting to zero fossil fuel growing methods inspired our journey to start NZ0, and share the knowledge and positive benefits with other growers. 
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Despite starting small, we have believed in the importance of zero fossil fuel production from the start and will continue to do so moving forward. We believe in the values the zero fossil fuel movement is built on and that change needs to happen for our planet’s future. For the sake of our survival, we can’t afford to not believe.