New Zealand Biotechnology
Ag-biotech & Agri-tech
A first-rate agricultural environment, a drive to increase efficient yet quality food production, and an innovative outlook to applying science to traditional industries, all combine to position New Zealand as an unrivalled world leader in the ag-biotech and agri-tech sector.
With just over half of New Zealand's total land area dedicated to agriculture, horticulture or planted forestry, our highly successful and dynamic ag-biotech and agri-tech sector is founded on a traditonal focus on primary industries, which have been pivotal to the economy.
Around a third of New Zealand's biotechnology organizations focus on ag-biotech. As the country's largest biotechnology sector, ag-biotech is responsible for 40 percent of expenditure and 35 percent of employment. Many of these organizations work in other areas – drawing on these additional experiences broadens their outlook and adds value.
Meanwhile, the agri-tech sector alone has a 70 percent domestic market share and annual global exports of $700m, accounting for one percent of the market in 2006.
Recent New Zealand ag-biotech and agri-tech advancements include: developing more nutritional and digestible grass varieties to increase animal health and reduce methane output; early identification and breeding of higher quality animals; and effective tools to boost yields and productivity.
