AgResearch bolstered by funding round

The funding is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s 2016 Endeavour Fund, which in total has allocated over $209 million over the next five years in new scientific research projects.

The AgResearch projects which have been selected are:

· Capturing the true value of NZ meat; objective measurement of meat quality in beef, lamb and venison ($4.25m)

· Evaluating the potential of forages with elevated photosynthesis and metabolisable energy ($10m)

· Developing a microbial fuel cell to control electron flow and direct rumen fermentation towards better ruminant nutrition ($1m)

· World-first proof of application of Trojan female pest control ($0.87m)

AgResearch chief executive Tom Richardson says the funding allocation reiterates the importance of the organisation’s role in developing new research that contributes significantly to New Zealand’s growth.

“Our scientists are commonly at the forefront of the innovation that makes for a better and more efficient agricultural sector, which translates to benefits for our wider economy. This $16m of funding will see AgResearch work with some key partners to continue our innovative work.”

The Endeavour Fund supports both Smart Ideas initiatives and larger Research Programmes. Smart Ideas initiatives catalyse and rapidly test promising, innovative research ideas, and contracts are awarded for two to three years.

Research Programmes are awarded for three to five years and support ambitious research ideas, with high potential to deliver significant impact for New Zealand’s economy, environment, and society.

The successful proposals were selected by the MBIE Science Board, an independent statutory Board, following a review by independent experts. The new research contracts will begin on October 1, 2016.

Up to $10 million per year in total will be invested in 28 projects under the Smart Ideas initiative, and up to $38 million per year in total will be invested in 28 Research Programmes.