NZ govt flags 10-year, $100M research project to boost agriculture while improving environment

Tuesday 26th January 2016

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce has allocated just under $100 million to a new science challenge looking at how to boost agricultural production while improving land and water quality.

The Our Land and Water Challenge is the ninth of 11 research projects launched by the government, with the $96.9 million to be spent over the next 10 years.

Initial projects will look at how to use new technologies like drones, developing 'next generation' farming systems that deliver high profits with little environmental footprint and identifying dilution processes in soil and water.

The challenge will be hosted by AgResearch and involves six Crown Research Institute partners, ESR, GNS Science, Landcare Research, NIWA, Plant and Food Research and Scion. Five universities and affiliates are also taking part - Auckland, Lincoln University and its research and development arm Lincoln Agritech, Massey and Waikato.

Joyce said the challenge was vital to New Zealand's economic future.

"The Government's business growth agenda targets a doubling of primary sector exports by 2025, while the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management looks to ensure water quality and use is properly provided for over the long term," Joyce said in a statement. "The Our Land and Water challenge will provide the science necessary to bridge these two goals and is critical to New Zealand's economic and environmental well-being".

Meanwhile, the Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking bids on a contract worth up to $90,000 to model the potential for farmers to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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