Better seeds and plant species

4 October 2012

A new research programme being co-funded by the Government aims to deliver better seeds and plant species for farmers, to help improve animal productivity and minimise environmental impacts.

Ministry for Primary Industries Director-General Wayne McNee today announced funding for the new Seed and Nutritional Technology Development programme through the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP).

Proprietary seed company PGG Wrightson Seeds is leading the programme, working with a number of research organisations.

The PGP is committing $7.15 million over six years, for a programme worth $14.6 million in total.

"The Seed and Nutritional Technology Development programme works on many fronts to ensure farmers will have access to the best pasture and forage crop technologies," Mr McNee said.

"We are pleased to see innovative approaches that will address current challenges such as improving feed conversion efficiency, as well as taking the opportunity to mitigate environmental challenges such as soil erosion and drought stress."

Dr Derek Woodfield, General Manager – Research and Development of PGG Wrightson Seeds, welcomed the funding announcement and said: "The PGP funding will allow PGG Wrightson Seeds and its research partners to focus on delivering a suite of new technologies that will keep New Zealand farmers internationally competitive."

ENDS

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