Our Science
Ō Mātou Pūtaiao
New Zealand is a leader in the production of premium food and fibre, and design and development of novel agri-food innovations.
AgResearch's science capability spans the agricultural value chain with a focus on integrated systems. All aspects of our research can be linked.
Research Priorities
Sustainable agriculture
Research to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand’s pastoral agriculture systems are resilient and economically viable in a changing climate.
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Plants and microbes of the future
Our research is focused on developing and validating tools to breed, select, and manage the most appropriate plants and microbiomes.
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Animals of the future
Our research is focused on breeding, selecting, and managing livestock to ensure they meet the productivity and sustainability needs of future farming systems.
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Partnering for sustainable agricultural innovation
Through research co-developed with industry partners, we are exploring areas of shared strategic importance and providing thought leadership.
Thriving Māori agribusiness
Research that supports Māori agribusinesses to thrive, prosper, and connect with ancestral landscapes to cultivate a sustainable future for te taiao (the natural world).
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Land use transitions to enhance Māori communities
Supporting land use system transitions and utilisation for Māori agribusiness, enterprises, and communities.
Future farming systems
Delivering fundamental change to the way New Zealand farms, supporting market access and providing greater economic performance for landowners and New Zealand.
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Transitioning agri-food systems
Using science to help transition to new, more efficient, productive and safer agri-food systems.
Integrated biosecurity
Research to protect New Zealand’s pastoral agriculture systems and economy from pests through innovative biosecurity solutions and enhanced data integration.
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Biosecurity for plants and animals
Specialist research into identifying plant and animal biosecurity threats to protect the agricultural industry.
Emerging foods
Investigating novel foods for the benefit of producers, consumers, the New Zealand economy and our environment.
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Enabling emerging foods
Fusing scientific expertise and consumer insights with innovation to understand and design high-value foods, ingredients, processes and solutions.
