Editorial: Sensible move
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Federated Farmers says it is pleased to see the two institutes receive the funding, as they are crucial to New Zealand's primary industries.
The Riddet Institute (Massey University) researches food science, while the Bio-Protection Research Centre (Lincoln University) looks at plant biosecurity.
Federated Farmers president, Dr William Rolleston says both organisations have made significant advances for New Zealand's economy, society and the environment thanks to previous Government funding.
"I am thrilled that these highly innovative research centres have made it through the selection process and will now be able to continue their crucial work in sustainable pest management solutions and food science and human health," he says.
"The CoREs facilitates crucial collaboration through national networks of researchers and scientists, not to mention being a part of the extremely valuable brand that CoREs is."
The two institutes have been leading the way in food science and biosecurity and sustainability for almost a decade and are fundamental to the success and advancement of New Zealand's primary industries and economy, says Rolleston.
"If New Zealand is to have a world-class economy we need world class investments in science and innovation to ensure our country remains globally competitive. More so we need to make sure that investment is strategic and is maintained if we are to see its true value."
Rolleston believes that the formation of CoREs has gone a long way to increasing collaboration between research institutes and addressing the strategic needs for the primary industries.
"I welcome the outcome and congratulate both institutes on their success. The industry looks forward to the scientific and innovative advances I am sure they will make," says Rolleston.
