Berrying Carbon: A farm's green ammonia story

In this podcast episode Pippa chats with Hugh Mackinnon from Mountford Berries in Longford Tasmania and Professor PJ Cullen, Chief Scientific Officer from PlasmaLeap Technologies in Sydney. Hugh and PJ's conversation highlights how the production of green nitrogen fertiliser could support horticulture’s decarbonisation journey while giving farmers greater confidence in the supply of fertiliser. By producing fertiliser closer to where it’s needed, emerging technologies like PlasmaLeap could reduce emissions from manufacturing and transport while helping growers manage costs and supply risks. Lifecycle emissions research and emerging field-scale trials show that ammonia made with renewable electricity and water-derived hydrogen can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of fertiliser production compared with conventional fossil fuel-based ammonia. It’s a hopeful example of innovation working together with farmers to build more resilient, sustainable and lower-carbon food systems. So, enjoy the chat and if you want to learn more about PlasmaLeap Technologies visit PlasmaLeap and the family-owned Mountford Berries - website Home | Mountford Berries, Green Light for Green Ammonia — PlasmaLeap Green Light for Green Ammonia — PlasmaLeap The role of ammonia in reaching net zero - CSIRO Class 4 soils Tasmanian Government Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania The Land Capability Classification System | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania The Ian Potter Foundation Farmland Plan Potter Farmland Plan | The Ian Potter Foundation Haber-Bosch process Haber-Bosch process | Definition, Conditions, Importance, & Facts | Britannica Government of the Netherlands Nitrogen Crisis The nitrogen strategy and the transformation of the rural areas | Government.nl Ireland banned the use of unprotected urea in solid form Reminder of the restriction on the use of unprotected urea in solid form with effect from 15 September 2025 *This Farming Together episode is one in a short series where we hear from primary producers as they work towards decarbonisation. The project has been funded by the Land and Primary Industries Network of the NSW Decarbonisation Hub. You can learn more about the NSW Decarbonisation Hub at https://www.decarbhub.au/* 1. **Disclaimer:** This podcast is produced by Southern Cross University (ABN 41 995 651 524) as part of the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub series. It is provided for general information and educational purposes only. 2. **No advice:** The content of this podcast does not constitute professional, agronomic, financial, legal, environmental, business or investment advice and must not be relied upon as such. It does not consider your individual objectives, circumstances or needs. You should seek independent advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on any information discussed. 3. **Guest and third‑party views:** The views, opinions, statements and experiences expressed by guests and other contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Southern Cross University, the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, or their staff, partners, funders or related parties. Southern Cross University does not verify, adopt or endorse statements made by guests. 4. **No endorsement:** References to specific tools, technologies, products, services, suppliers or organisations are based on a guest’s own experience and are provided for illustration only. They do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, approval or warranty by Southern Cross University, and no commercial relationship should be inferred. 5. **No warranty / results may vary:** While reasonable care is taken in producing this podcast, Southern Cross University makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, currency or reliability of the information. Agricultural operations vary widely, and outcomes described by guests may not be achievable, replicable or suitable in other settings. 6. **External links:** This podcast and its show notes may contain links to third‑party websites or resources provided for convenience only. Southern Cross University does not control and is not responsible for the content, availability or accuracy of those external resources. 7. **Limitation of liability:** To the maximum extent permitted by law, Southern Cross University and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub exclude all liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense (including indirect or consequential loss) arising from any use of, or reliance on, the information in this podcast. Nothing in this disclaimer excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable law. 8. **Recording date:** Information in this podcast was accurate at the time of recording. Circumstances, research findings, technologies and regulatory settings may have changed since that time.