Soil carbon pilot launched in Aotearoa
The first measurements and mapping of soil organic carbon (SOC) using commercially available satellite data technology has taken place in Aotearoa New Zealand. The pilot is the result of collaboration between New Zealand based natural capital development agency, Nature Point, and global technology provider, Downforce Technologies.
The pilot measured SOC levels on eight properties across the North and South Island, covering 1,553 hectares. “We were fortunate to work with a bunch of innovative and environmentally focused farmers and growers across the country,” said Nature Point Co-Founder and Director of Natural Capital Developments, Michelle Barry. “The pilot included micro-farms, vineyards, sheep and beef, arable and dairy farms. A number of the farms are involved in research and extension projects aiming to improve farm environmental performance and increase resilience to extreme weather events”.
Nature Point develops and manages natural capital projects that generate verified climate and biodiversity outcomes. The company partners with farmers to restore ecosystems and measure SOC, creating investable nature-based assets for corporates and investors seeking high-integrity nature credits.
SOC is a reliable indicator of soil function and long-term land performance. Measuring SOC helps farmers quantify soil structure, water-holding capacity, and biological activity, which directly influence resilience during drought, heavy rainfall, and other climate-related pressures. By tracking SOC over time, farmers can see the effects of their management practices, pinpoint areas for improvement, and invest strategically where the return is greatest.
“Downforce’s technology positions SOC measurement as a practical land-management tool, not just a carbon metric, giving farmers the information they need to plan confidently for the future”, said Jade Chia, Co-Founder of Nature Point. Pilot participant, Ben McLauchlan, winegrower and owner of Balvonie Wines echoed these sentiments, “As a farmer the two most important things are people and soil. Without great people you can’t have a great business and without great soil you can grow great products that consumers want. Gaining a better understanding of our soil organic carbon levels, by block, by soil type and how our farming practices can influence change is a critical tool for us to farm to a higher standard”.
Accurate SOC measurement supports market access, sustainability reporting, and traceability initiatives. Across the portfolio, soil has stored an average of +127 tonnes CO₂e per year, demonstrating verified improvements in soil health and carbon stocks. This allows manufacturers and landowners to strengthen provenance claims, meet emerging supply chain requirements, and unlock new opportunities in premium and low-emissions markets.
“New Zealand farmers operate in one of the world’s most dynamic environments, and supporting them with reliable data is critical to building lasting resilience. The response to this pilot shows that robust soil carbon measurement is more than just a compliance tool—it’s a foundation for smarter, future-focused land management” said Ben Wark, Head of APAC at Downforce Technologies.
The technology and service has been well received by farmers in New Zealand. “We are excited to make commercial SOC assessments available to farmers and growers from the first quarter of 2026”, said Michelle Barry. “SOC assessments are only one part of the picture for us as a business. We are very interested in connecting with both landowners and investors”
For further information please see www.nature-point.com or email info@nature-point.com. Read more about Downforce Technologies at www.downforce.tech.
For additional information and queries about this press release please contact:
Michelle Barry - michelle@nature-point.com - 0272482693
Jade Chia - jade@nature-point.com - 0212778228
