Better seeds and plant species for NZ farmers

A New Zealand research program being co-funded by the government aims to deliver better seeds and plant species for farmers, in order to help improve animal productivity and minimise environmental impacts.

Last week, Ministry for Primary Industries Director-General Wayne McNee announced the funding for the Seed and Nutritional Technology Development program through the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP).

The PGP is committing $7.15 million over six years, for a program worth $14.6 million in total. The program is being led by proprietary seed company PGG Wrightson Seeds, working with a number of research organisations.

“The Seed and Nutritional Technology Development program works on many fronts to ensure farmers will have access to the best pasture and forage crop technologies,” 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.

“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,” Woodfield said.