AgResearch science strategy on track
20 March, 2007
Eighteen months after the launch of its 2020 Science strategy, AgResearch has evaluated the progress of its plan for
keeping New Zealand prosperous to 2020 and beyond.
AgResearch Chief Science Strategist Dr Stephen Goldson says that many New Zealanders are oblivious to the fact our
nation’s economy is founded upon wealth generated by the rural sector.
“2020 Science was developed by AgResearch to re-focus attention back to pastoral agriculture and the economic basis of
our first-world lifestyle.”
The strategy seeks to provide a clear, future-focused research framework aimed at ensuring a truly prosperous New
Zealand pastoral sector, while preserving the environmental integrity of the country’s grassland ecosystems.
“After eighteen months, the 2020 Science strategy has led to clear recognition of AgResearch’s research goals.”
The strategy’s essence is encapsulated in a collection of five high-level science goals known as the 5 Big Ideas:
• To double the value of the dairy industry while halving the costs and the impacts on the environment.
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• To double the value of the meat and textile industries while halving the costs and impacts on the environment.
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• To reduce the risk of pests and diseases gaining a foothold in New Zealand and help effectively manage those
already there.
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• To work with rural communities, agribusinesses, territorial authorities and policy makers ensuring
evidenced-based decision-making is used to its best effect.
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• To work with researchers in New Zealand and around the world using the knowledge gained from research into
agricultural systems, plants and animals to create valuable new opportunities in biotechnology and other areas.
•
“Achieving these targets will depend on the extent to which New Zealanders can accept emergent technologies, such as the
genetic modification of plants and animals, and particularly whether Government and industry can be persuaded to step up
investment in research and development,” he says.
With a total R investment of only 1.17 per cent of GDP, New Zealand lags far behind the European Union that is aiming for 3 per cent
investment by 2010.
ENDS