Meet our sustainability expert driving Fonterra's climate policy

Our sustainability experts across our value chain bring specialist knowledge, practical solutions, and a global perspective to the Co-op. Their work supports and underpins Fonterra’s climate ambitions. Every step we take to lower emissions across our value chain helps strengthen the sustainability story behind our NZMP™ ingredients.

As part of our 'Meet Our Sustainability Experts' series, we spoke to Andrew Kempson, Fonterra’s General Manager of Global Climate Policy, who shares how we're tackling emissions and building climate resilience across our supply chain. Hear how Andrew brings policy to life – backing our farmers, partnering globally, and helping to action meaningful change.
 

Watch the interview with Andrew, or read the Q&As below:

Q&A with Andrew Kempson, General Manager of Global Climate Policy, Fonterra

My name is Andrew, and I lead our global strategy to reduce emissions and build climate resilience across our supply chain. My role is about turning science and policy into action – supporting our farmers, engaging with global partners, and driving sustainable change. It’s all about balancing ambition with what’s practical, financial, and technically doable so Fonterra can confidently move forward.

How does your role support Fonterra’s climate targets? 
Much of my role is focused on determining Fonterra’s climate ambition and targets and how we can ultimately achieve them. This means supporting sustainable dairy production by shaping and advocating for science-based policies. We engage with international stakeholders and ensure Fonterra remains at the forefront of climate leadership in the dairy industry. I also work with markets and regulatory environments to integrate climate resilience into Fonterra, while supporting both our farmers and customers in the transition to a low-emissions future. 

Why is addressing climate change important to Fonterra?
Addressing climate change is core to our business strategy. At Fonterra, climate change isn’t just a global issue – it’s personal. Our farmers rely on healthy land, reliable weather, and a resilient ecosystem. Tackling climate change helps protect their livelihoods, meet the expectations of our customers and communities, and secure a sustainable future for dairy and our Co-operative.

What initiatives are you currently leading at Fonterra?
One of the key initiatives I lead is our partnership with AgriZeroNZ. It’s a bold partnership between government and industry, designed to invest in tools and technologies that could reduce on-farm emissions. For Fonterra, AgriZeroNZ is about protecting the future of dairy – supporting New Zealand farmers with practical, science-backed solutions that keep them competitive and sustainable.

What progress have you seen so far?
We’ve made real progress. We’re supporting our farmers with tools, research, and incentives to help reduce emissions intensity on-farm – whilst keeping productivity strong. We’re also partnering with customers who share our climate goals. And we’re reducing emissions in our own operations, from energy use to transport. It’s all part of our commitment to a more sustainable future for dairy.

Why is sustainability important to you? 
For me, working in sustainability is about impact. It’s about making sure the decisions we make today create a better future for our farmers, our communities, and the environment. I believe we have a responsibility to lead, to innovate, and to show that sustainable food production is not only possible – it’s essential.

See our Climate Roadmap for the path that helps us towards our near-term emissions targets out to 2030 and our ambition to be net zero by 2050.