An example of our quality science is our long-term research into Epichloë endophytes that occur naturally in some grasses, such as those used to feed livestock on New Zealand farms.
While some types of endophyte can be harmful to livestock, selected endophytes introduced to varieties of grass offer benefits such as deterring insect pests from feeding on the grasses, while minimising any negative health effects.
For more than 35 years we've focused on selecting endophyte strains that can improve the productivity of pastures while also improving livestock health.
We have identified and commercialised strains of such benefit that they are now critical components of pastures in New Zealand.
The benefits are undoubtedly in the billions of dollars over time from increased farm productivity, reduced costs for animal health and reduced pasture losses to pests and costs to control those pests. New endophyte strains alone contribute about $200 million every year to the New Zealand economy.