'Living labs' to tackle emissions
Living labs that bring together expertise at locations around New Zealand are among potential solutions identified by researchers to help the country move towards a more climate resilient future.
State-owned AgResearch’s plan to build a new education, science and innovation precinct at Lincoln has won high level support.
Research, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Megan Woods, after reviewing a business case this week has asked AgResearch to move to the next phase of designing new research facilities in the Canterbury township: this includes an implementation business case subject to further ministerial oversight.
AgResearch chairman Paul Reynolds said the ministerial support was a welcome step towards the science institute’s vision to transform the land-based research sector.
“Agri-business is evolving rapidly and transformational change is required to ensure farming in the future is able to harness the power of new technologies and remain environmentally and financially sustainable. We believe a new education, science and innovation precinct that fosters co-location with our commercial partners and the tertiary education sector will help us all meet this challenge together.”
AgResearch plans to independently own and fund the new facilities and recently entered into a conditional agreement with Lincoln University to purchase a parcel of land on Springs Road to build on.
Reynolds said AgResearch said new facilities in Lincoln would enhance collaboration with tertiary education and other research partners.
“This is potentially a large investment that will have positive flow on effects for the Lincoln area which is the home of land-based research and development. PGG Wrightson Seeds recently opened a new facility on our Lincoln campus and we plan to share our facilities to enhance collaboration with researchers from Lincoln University.
“Over the summer AgResearch will open a new building on Massey University’s Manawatu campus and it will be called ‘Te Ohu Rangahau Kai’. The name means a cooperative community of food researchers. Our new glasshouse containment facilities at Grasslands are also complete and our four-campus model is taking shape. The business has built strong momentum and is well-placed to further enhance its reputation for innovation and world leading science-led solutions.”
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
New Zealand farmers are committed to making their businesses more resilient to climate change and are embracing innovation to help them do so.
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