New Zealand scientists are creating exciting new forage technology opportunities for the dairy industry using world-leading science.

A significant new alliance between AgResearch and the dairy industry’s biotechnology company ViaLactia Biosciences (NZ) Ltd. was announced this week. The alliance will undertake fundamental long-term research to identify new plant genes of value to the industry.

AgResearch will be using an innovative model system to identify as-yet-unknown genes that can improve pasture quality and dairy production, ensuring New Zealand will maintain its natural competitive edge in producing nutritious and health-promoting grasses and clover for cattle.

This new knowledge and resulting new technology from this three year program is expected to provide biotechnology options for the New Zealand dairy industry with a potential for considerable environmental and financial benefits.

AgResearch scientist Dr Derek White said AgResearch is using the power of model plant systems to lead the world in the discovery of these genes. "It is pleasing to see the strong research capabilities in genomics and novel forage plant development at AgResearch being applied in partnership with ViaLactia to enhance the future of the New Zealand dairy industry."