What is AgResearch Ltd?

AgResearch Ltd is identified as one of New Zealand's largest Crown Research Institutes, which are government-owned research organizations established to conduct scientific research for the benefit of the country. It focuses on agricultural and biotechnological advancements.

What was the former name of AgResearch Ltd?

AgResearch Ltd was formerly known as the New Zealand Pastoral Agriculture Research Institute Limited. This earlier name reflects its historical focus on research related to pastoral farming.

Where is AgResearch Ltd headquartered?

The headquarters of AgResearch Ltd are located in Lincoln, within the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Lincoln is a town known for its agricultural university and research institutions.

Who are the current chief executive and chair of AgResearch?

As per the provided information, the agency executives of AgResearch include Dr. Sue Bidrose, who serves as the Chief Executive, and Dr. Paul Reynolds, QSO, who holds the position of Chair. These individuals lead the organization's strategic direction and operations.

What is the approximate size of AgResearch in terms of staff and revenue?

AgResearch is a significant organization, employing over 700 staff members. Its revenue for the year ending June 2014 was NZ$160.7 million, indicating its substantial scale within New Zealand's research sector.

What is the future plan for AgResearch as announced by the New Zealand Government?

The New Zealand Government plans to merge AgResearch into a new entity called the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science. This integration is scheduled to take place on 1 July 2025.

What are the primary sectors that AgResearch serves through its research?

AgResearch exists to serve the agriculture and biotechnology sectors of New Zealand industry. This means its research efforts are directed towards improving farming practices, developing new biological technologies, and supporting related industries.

When was AgResearch created, and as part of what broader initiative?

AgResearch was created in 1992, as part of a broader initiative that established New Zealand's other Crown Research Institutes. This period marked a significant restructuring of government-funded science in the country.

How was AgResearch initially formed in 1992?

AgResearch was largely formed by merging specific components of two existing government research bodies. These included the pastoral agriculture-related portions of MAFTech and the agriculture-related portions of DSIR.

Which organizations were merged to form AgResearch, and what were their respective research focuses?

AgResearch was formed by combining parts of MAFTech, which was the research arm of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and primarily conducted animal research, with agriculture-related sections of DSIR, which focused predominantly on research concerning forage plants. This merger brought together expertise in both animal and plant sciences.

How did AgResearch expand its operations after its initial formation?

After its initial formation, AgResearch expanded its operations by acquiring research organizations that were further 'down' the value stream from its original on-farm research emphasis. This strategy allowed it to broaden its scope and integrate more aspects of agricultural production.

What was the original name of Canesis before its acquisition by AgResearch?

Before its acquisition by AgResearch in 2007, Canesis was originally known as the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ). This organization focused on research related to the wool industry.

What was the initial plan announced by AgResearch in March 2009 regarding Lincoln University?

In March 2009, AgResearch announced a plan to merge with Lincoln University. This indicated an intention to combine the two institutions' resources and expertise.

How did the proposed merger with Lincoln University evolve after the initial announcement?

The initial plan for a merger between AgResearch and Lincoln University was subsequently changed to an intention to form a joint venture. This suggests a shift from full integration to a collaborative partnership.

What was the 'Future Footprint' plan announced by AgResearch in 2013?

The 'Future Footprint' plan, announced in 2013, was a strategy by AgResearch to concentrate its resources at two main sites: the Grasslands campus in Palmerston North and the Lincoln campus near Christchurch. This was intended to streamline operations and consolidate research efforts.

What were the intended outcomes of the 'Future Footprint' plan regarding resource concentration?

The 'Future Footprint' plan aimed to centralize AgResearch's resources, specifically by transferring approximately 200 staff members to the Grasslands site in Palmerston North and the Lincoln campus near Christchurch. This was an effort to create larger, more focused research hubs.

Which AgResearch sites were primarily affected by the staff transfers under the 'Future Footprint' plan?

Under the 'Future Footprint' plan, staff transfers primarily affected the Ruakura site near Hamilton and the Invermay site near Dunedin. These locations were slated to see a reduction in personnel as resources were consolidated elsewhere.

What were the reported consequences of the 'Future Footprint' plan on AgResearch staff?

The 'Future Footprint' plan reportedly led to a substantial number of staff leaving AgResearch, poor staff morale, and the consideration of redundancies in September 2015. These consequences highlight the challenges associated with large-scale organizational restructuring.

How many scientific staff were made redundant in 2016 as a result of the restructuring?

Approximately 50 scientific staff members were made redundant in 2016 as a direct result of the restructuring efforts under the 'Future Footprint' plan. This indicates a significant reduction in the scientific workforce.

When did the government approve the AgResearch restructure?

The government officially approved the AgResearch restructure in June 2016. This approval allowed the organization to proceed with its plans for consolidation and changes in its operational structure.

What specific teams remained at Invermay despite the 'Future Footprint' plan?

Despite the initial plans of the 'Future Footprint' initiative, the genomics teams remained at the Invermay site. This indicates that certain specialized research functions were retained at their original locations due to the challenges of the restructuring.

When is AgResearch expected to be integrated into the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science?

AgResearch is expected to be integrated into the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science starting from 1 July 2025. This date marks the official transition for the organization into the new structure.

Into how many science capability groups is AgResearch's scientific work divided?

AgResearch's science capability is divided into six distinct groups. These groups represent different areas of scientific expertise and focus within the organization.

How many portfolio groups represent major sectors within AgResearch's organization?

AgResearch's science staff operate within five portfolio groups, which represent major sectors of the agricultural industry. These groups help to align research with industry needs.

List the five portfolio groups that AgResearch's science staff operate within.

The five portfolio groups that AgResearch's science staff operate within are: Dairy On-farm, Dairy Pasture-to-plate, Meat & Fibre On-farm, Meat & Fibre Paddock-to-Consumer, and Agricultural Policy & Maori Agribusiness. These groups cover the entire value chain for key agricultural products.

What are the main research campuses of AgResearch in New Zealand?

AgResearch maintains research campuses at several locations across New Zealand, including Ruakura (near Hamilton), Grasslands and the Hopkirk Research Institute (near Palmerston North), Lincoln (near Christchurch), and Invermay (near Dunedin). These sites host various research activities.

Which research institute is located near Palmerston North alongside Grasslands?

The Hopkirk Research Institute is located near Palmerston North, operating alongside the Grasslands campus as one of AgResearch's research facilities. This co-location likely facilitates collaborative research efforts.

What is the Māori name associated with AgResearch, as indicated in the infobox?

The Māori name associated with AgResearch, as presented in the infobox, is Āta mātai, mātai whetū. This name reflects a connection to New Zealand's indigenous culture and language.

What type of entity is AgResearch classified as within New Zealand?

AgResearch is classified as one of New Zealand's Crown Research Institutes (CRIs). CRIs are government-owned companies established to conduct scientific research and technology development for the benefit of New Zealand.

What was MAFTech's primary research focus before merging into AgResearch?

Before its merger into AgResearch, MAFTech, which was the research arm of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, predominantly carried out animal research. This focus contributed to AgResearch's expertise in animal science.

What was DSIR's primary research focus before merging into AgResearch?

Prior to its merger into AgResearch, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) primarily conducted research on forage plants. This specialization complemented MAFTech's animal research, forming a comprehensive agricultural research base for AgResearch.

What is the significance of the 'Crown Research Institutes' in New Zealand's science landscape?

Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) are government-owned companies in New Zealand established to perform scientific research and technology development. They play a crucial role in supporting key sectors of the New Zealand economy, such as agriculture, environment, and health, by providing scientific expertise and innovation.

What kind of research does AgResearch conduct related to 'Animal Productivity'?

The 'Animal Productivity' science group at AgResearch focuses on research aimed at enhancing the efficiency and output of livestock farming. This typically involves studies on genetics, breeding, and management practices to improve animal performance.

What kind of research does AgResearch conduct related to 'Forage Improvement'?

The 'Forage Improvement' science group at AgResearch conducts research focused on enhancing the quality, yield, and sustainability of pasture and other feed crops for livestock. This includes developing new plant varieties and improving grazing systems.

What kind of research does AgResearch conduct related to 'Food & Bio-based Products'?

The 'Food & Bio-based Products' science group at AgResearch is involved in research concerning the development and improvement of food products and other biologically derived materials. This can range from enhancing nutritional value to creating sustainable bio-materials.

What kind of research does AgResearch conduct related to 'Animal Nutrition & Health'?

The 'Animal Nutrition & Health' science group at AgResearch focuses on understanding and improving the dietary needs and overall well-being of farm animals. This research aims to optimize animal health, prevent diseases, and ensure efficient nutrient utilization.

What kind of research does AgResearch conduct related to 'Innovative Farm Systems'?

The 'Innovative Farm Systems' science group at AgResearch conducts research into developing and implementing new technologies and practices to make farming more efficient, sustainable, and productive. This can include automation, data analytics, and integrated farm management approaches.

What kind of research does AgResearch conduct related to 'Land & Environment'?

The 'Land & Environment' science group at AgResearch focuses on research related to sustainable land management, environmental protection, and the ecological impacts of agricultural practices. This includes studies on soil health, water quality, and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.

What does the 'Dairy On-farm' portfolio group focus on?

The 'Dairy On-farm' portfolio group at AgResearch focuses on research and solutions directly applicable to dairy farming operations. This includes aspects like pasture management, animal welfare, and milk production efficiency at the farm level.

What does the 'Meat & Fibre Paddock-to-Consumer' portfolio group entail?

The 'Meat & Fibre Paddock-to-Consumer' portfolio group at AgResearch covers the entire value chain for meat and fiber products, from the farm (paddock) through processing, distribution, and ultimately to the end consumer. This involves research into product quality, safety, and marketability.

What is the purpose of the 'Agricultural Policy & Maori Agribusiness' portfolio group?

The 'Agricultural Policy & Maori Agribusiness' portfolio group at AgResearch focuses on research and insights related to agricultural policy development and supporting Maori involvement and growth in agribusiness. This group addresses the economic, social, and cultural aspects of agriculture.

What is the general purpose of a Crown Research Institute in New Zealand?

A Crown Research Institute (CRI) in New Zealand is a government-owned research organization established to conduct scientific research and develop technology. Their primary purpose is to contribute to New Zealand's economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being by providing scientific knowledge and innovation.

What is the role of a Chief Executive in an organization like AgResearch?

In an organization like AgResearch, the Chief Executive (CE) is the highest-ranking executive, responsible for the overall management and operations of the company. The CE implements the board's strategies, leads the staff, and ensures the organization achieves its objectives.

What is the role of a Chair in an organization like AgResearch?

The Chair of an organization like AgResearch leads the board of directors, overseeing the governance of the institute. The Chair's role involves ensuring effective board meetings, guiding strategic direction, and representing the board to stakeholders, while the Chief Executive manages day-to-day operations.

What is biotechnology in the context of AgResearch's work?

In the context of AgResearch's work, biotechnology refers to the application of biological processes, organisms, or systems to produce products or technologies that improve agriculture. This can include genetic engineering, molecular biology, and other advanced biological techniques to enhance crop yields, animal health, or develop new bio-based products.

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Overview

New Zealand's Research Powerhouse

AgResearch Ltd, formerly known as the New Zealand Pastoral Agriculture Research Institute Limited, stands as one of New Zealand's most significant Crown Research Institutes (CRIs). With a substantial workforce exceeding 700 staff and an annual revenue of NZ$160.7 million as of June 2014, it plays a critical role in the nation's scientific landscape.^[1]

Core Mission

The fundamental purpose of AgResearch is to provide scientific leadership and support to New Zealand's vital agriculture and biotechnology sectors. Its research endeavors are geared towards enhancing productivity, sustainability, and innovation within these key industries, contributing significantly to the national economy and global scientific knowledge.

Leadership and Governance

At the helm of AgResearch are distinguished leaders guiding its strategic direction and scientific pursuits. As of the latest available information, Dr. Sue Bidrose serves as the Chief Executive, overseeing the institute's operations and research programs. Dr. Paul Reynolds, QSO, holds the position of Chair, providing governance and strategic oversight to ensure the institute fulfills its mandate effectively.

Central Hub

AgResearch's primary headquarters are strategically located in Lincoln, within the Canterbury region of New Zealand. This central location facilitates collaboration with other research institutions and agricultural enterprises in a key agricultural area, fostering a dynamic environment for scientific discovery and application.

Research Focus

Broad Scientific Mandate

AgResearch's scientific endeavors are broadly aimed at serving the agriculture and biotechnology sectors of New Zealand. This encompasses a wide array of research areas designed to address contemporary challenges and opportunities in food production, environmental stewardship, and bio-based product development.

Science Capability Groups

To effectively execute its diverse research agenda, AgResearch organizes its scientific expertise into six distinct capability groups:

Animal Productivity: Focusing on enhancing livestock performance and health.
Forage Improvement: Dedicated to developing superior pasture and feed crops.
Food & Bio-based Products: Innovating in the creation of new food and biomaterial solutions.
Animal Nutrition & Health: Researching optimal animal diets and disease prevention.
Innovative Farm Systems: Developing advanced and sustainable farming practices.
Land & Environment: Addressing environmental impacts and sustainable land management.

Sector Portfolio Groups

Beyond its scientific capabilities, AgResearch structures its engagement with industry through five key portfolio groups, ensuring its research directly addresses the needs of major sectors:

Dairy On-farm: Research supporting dairy farming practices.
Dairy Pasture-to-plate: Covering the entire dairy value chain from production to consumption.
Meat & Fibre On-farm: Focusing on livestock and wool production.
Meat & Fibre Paddock-to-Consumer: Encompassing the journey of meat and fiber products to market.
Agricultural Policy & Maori Agribusiness: Informing policy and supporting indigenous agricultural enterprises.

Evolution

Founding as a CRI

AgResearch was established in 1992 as one of New Zealand's Crown Research Institutes. Its formation involved a strategic merger of pastoral agriculture-related components from MAFTech, the research arm of the then Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (which primarily focused on animal research), with the agriculture-related sections of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), which had a strong emphasis on forage plants.

Strategic Acquisitions and Growth

Over the years, AgResearch expanded its influence and capabilities through key acquisitions. In 1999, it integrated the Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand (MIRINZ), extending its reach "down" the value stream from its initial on-farm focus. This was followed by the acquisition of the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ), rebranded as Canesis, in 2007, further diversifying its research portfolio into the fiber sector.

Proposed Academic Collaborations

In March 2009, AgResearch announced plans for a potential merger with Lincoln University.^[3] While a full merger did not materialize, these discussions evolved into an intention to form a joint venture, highlighting a commitment to collaborative research and academic partnership.^[4]

The "Future Footprint" Initiative

In 2013, AgResearch unveiled its "Future Footprint" plan, aiming to consolidate resources at its Grasslands site in Palmerston North and the Lincoln campus near Christchurch.^[5] This ambitious plan involved the relocation of approximately 200 staff, primarily from the Ruakura (Hamilton) and Invermay (Dunedin) sites.^[6]

The "Future Footprint" initiative faced significant challenges, including reports of substantial staff departures and declining morale within the CRI.^[7]^[8] By September 2015, redundancies were under consideration,^[9] leading to approximately 50 scientific staff being made redundant in 2016.^[10] Although the government approved the restructure in June 2016,^[11] the full scope of these changes was not ultimately implemented due to staff backlash and resignations. Consequently, the genomics teams, for instance, continue to operate from the Invermay site.^[12]

Structure

Integrated Research Framework

AgResearch operates with a well-defined organizational structure that integrates its scientific capabilities with its strategic engagement across key agricultural sectors. This dual framework ensures that research is both scientifically robust and directly relevant to industry needs.

Science Divisions

The institute's scientific expertise is channeled through six specialized groups, each focusing on a distinct area of agricultural science. These include Animal Productivity, Forage Improvement, Food & Bio-based Products, Animal Nutrition & Health, Innovative Farm Systems, and Land & Environment. This division allows for deep specialization while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Industry Portfolios

To ensure its research translates into tangible benefits for New Zealand's primary industries, AgResearch aligns its efforts with five major sector-focused portfolio groups. These cover the entire value chain for dairy, meat, and fiber, from on-farm practices to consumer products, and also address agricultural policy and Maori agribusiness, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to industry partnership.

Campuses

Nationwide Presence

AgResearch maintains a distributed network of research campuses across New Zealand, strategically located to serve diverse agricultural regions and facilitate specialized research. These locations are critical hubs for innovation, collaboration, and the application of scientific knowledge to local and national challenges.

Key Research Hubs

The primary research campuses include:

Ruakura: Situated near Hamilton, a significant agricultural center.
Grasslands and the Hopkirk Research Institute: Located near Palmerston North, known for its extensive pastoral research.
Lincoln: Near Christchurch, serving as a key hub for agricultural science and the institute's headquarters.
Invermay: Near Dunedin, a vital site where, despite past restructuring plans, genomics teams continue to operate, underscoring its importance for specialized research.

Future Transition

Merging into a New Entity

A significant transformation is on the horizon for AgResearch. On May 14, 2025, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Shane Reti, announced that AgResearch is slated for integration into a new Public Research Organisation. This new entity will be known as the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, with the transition scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2025.^[2]

A Unified Bioeconomy Vision

This merger represents a strategic move by the New Zealand Government to consolidate and enhance the nation's scientific capabilities within the bioeconomy. By bringing AgResearch's extensive expertise in pastoral agriculture and biotechnology into a broader institute, the aim is to foster greater synergy, drive innovation, and strengthen New Zealand's position in global bioeconomic research and development.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the AgResearch Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional scientific or agricultural advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official AgResearch publications, scientific literature, or seeking advice from qualified agricultural scientists, researchers, or industry professionals for specific project needs or decisions. Always refer to authoritative sources and consult with experts in the field.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Cultivating Futures

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Overview ℹ️

🇳🇿 New Zealand's Research Powerhouse

🎯 Core Mission

🏛️ Leadership and Governance

📍 Central Hub

Research Focus 🔬

🌱 Broad Scientific Mandate

🧪 Science Capability Groups

📊 Sector Portfolio Groups

Evolution 📈

🗓️ Founding as a CRI

🔗 Strategic Acquisitions and Growth

🤝 Proposed Academic Collaborations

🔄 The "Future Footprint" Initiative

Structure 🏗️

🧩 Integrated Research Framework

🔬 Science Divisions

🤝 Industry Portfolios

Campuses 🗺️

🌐 Nationwide Presence

🏞️ Key Research Hubs

Future Transition ➡️

🆕 Merging into a New Entity

🌱 A Unified Bioeconomy Vision

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

New Zealand's Research Powerhouse

Core Mission

Leadership and Governance

Central Hub

Research Focus

Broad Scientific Mandate

Science Capability Groups

Sector Portfolio Groups

Evolution

Founding as a CRI

Strategic Acquisitions and Growth

Proposed Academic Collaborations

The "Future Footprint" Initiative

Structure

Integrated Research Framework

Science Divisions

Industry Portfolios

Campuses

Nationwide Presence

Key Research Hubs

Future Transition

Merging into a New Entity

A Unified Bioeconomy Vision

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice