Saturday, 09 May 2015 00:00

Investing in science

Written by 

The Riddet Institute and the Bio-Protection Research Centre are to receive government funding after their applications to the CoREs (Centre of Research Excellence) were accepted for the second time.

 Federated Farmers says it is pleased to see the two institutes receive the funding, as they are crucial to New Zealand's primary industries.

 The Riddet Institute (Massey University) researches food science, while the Bio-Protection Research Centre (Lincoln University) looks at plant biosecurity.

Federated Farmers president, Dr William Rolleston says both organisations have made significant advances for New Zealand's economy, society and the environment thanks to previous Government funding.

"I am thrilled that these highly innovative research centres have made it through the selection process and will now be able to continue their crucial work in sustainable pest management solutions and food science and human health," he says.

"The CoREs facilitates crucial collaboration through national networks of researchers and scientists, not to mention being a part of the extremely valuable brand that CoREs is."

The two institutes have been leading the way in food science and biosecurity and sustainability for almost a decade and are fundamental to the success and advancement of New Zealand's primary industries and economy, says Rolleston.

"If New Zealand is to have a world-class economy we need world class investments in science and innovation to ensure our country remains globally competitive. More so we need to make sure that investment is strategic and is maintained if we are to see its true value."

Rolleston believes that the formation of CoREs has gone a long way to increasing collaboration between research institutes and addressing the strategic needs for the primary industries.

"I welcome the outcome and congratulate both institutes on their success. The industry looks forward to the scientific and innovative advances I am sure they will make," says Rolleston.

More like this

A steep learning curve

A steep learning curve, a very busy year and thank heavens for tractor therapy. That's how Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard described his first year in Parliament to reporter Peter Burke at his dairy farm in the Manawatu during the holiday break.

Putting theory into practice

Hamish and Rachel Hammond jumped at the chance to put their university learning into practice by taking up a contract milking offer right after graduation.

Featured

Editorial: Will big be better?

OPINION: The shakeup to the science sector with the proposed merger of four ag related crown research institutes (CRIs) into one conglomerate has drawn little public reaction.

Co-op boosts chilled exports to China

Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports to China, following approval for two of its processing plants to supply the market.

Expo set to deliver in spades

The countdown is on to be one of the most anticipated events in the sheep and beef industry, the East Coast Farming Expo.

New Summerfruit NZ CEO

Dean Smith has been in the role of CEO of Summerfruit NZ for about four months, having succeeded Kate Hellstrom at the end of September.

FE survey underway

Beef + Lamb NZ wants farmers to complete a survey that will shed light on the financial toll of facial eczema (FE) at the farm level.

National

Synlait sweetens milk supply deal

Canterbury milk processor Synlait is confident of retaining its farmer supplier base following a turnaround in its financial performance.

Optimism in the air

Ag First chief executive James Allen says dairy farmer optimism is on the rise.

Machinery & Products

New distributor for Aussie equipment

Australian agricultural equipment distributor, Waringa Distribution, has increased its support to South Island farmers and contractors with the appointment of…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Bovaer's fate

OPINION: The fate of methane inhibitor Bovaer in NZ farming is still up in the air.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter