Science Snippet: Cryopreservation Protects Grapevines at Lincoln University
A Lincoln University research fellow is working to safeguard grapevine species from extinction, using careful science and liquid nitrogen.
Five research primary sector projects have been announced as recipients of funding from the Massey - Lincoln and Agricultural Industry Trust Capability Development and Research Fund.
Five research projects which will benefit the primary sector have been announced as recipients of funding from the Massey – Lincoln and Agricultural Industry Trust Capability Development and Research Fund (MLAIT CDR).
The year-long projects which are led by researchers from Massey and Lincoln Universities have received combined funding of $611,000.
Spanning a diverse range of research topics and approaches, these projects reflect the highly collaborative intent of the fund, with teams comprising researchers from both universities working alongside industry partners and stakeholders to achieve positive impacts for the primary sector.
The research topics include creating novel 3D printed foods from plant and animal proteins, delivering a resilience and positive mental health programme for students from the rural community, and converting wastewater from legume manufacturing processes into high-value, nutritious ingredients.
Massey University’s Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says collaborating with Lincoln University strengthens the outputs of the projects.
“Both universities are internationally recognised for our research, teaching and knowledge translation across the broad fields of agriculture, horticulture, agri-technology and biological sciences. The CDR Fund seeks to capitalise on these strengths, by supporting genuine collaborations between the two universities, working alongside industry stakeholders and end users,” Byrnes says.
Professor Travis Glare, Director of Lincoln’s Research Management Office says that the projects offer the potential to deliver a high degree of capability development in a way that will maximise benefits to New Zealand’s primary sector.
“These projects will foster productive collaborations between the two universities and with industry and other relevant stakeholders,” Glare says.
Respected farm accountant Pita Alexander says with the present fuel crisis there are many ways farmers can reduce their consumption of petrol and diesel.
Strong demand for high dairy protein products is keeping prices elevated but the Middle East crisis could make an impact in the coming months.
The New Zealand red meat sector has signed an open letter to parliamentarians from BusinessNZ, urging swift ratification of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Wools of New Zealand is joining calls for New Zealand to urgently ratify a Free Trade Agreement with India.
Fonterra says Richard Allen will succeed Miles Hurrell as its new chief executive.
Cyclone Vaianu is continuing its track south towards the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it destructive winds, heavy rain, and large swells, says Metservice.

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