Chief Executive, Dr Keith Steele said AgResearch is now moving into the next phase of its life sciences strategy with the implementation of its 2003-2006 Strategic Plan – a programme which has set the company some very ambitious targets.

"As a Crown Research Institute, AgResearch is an important agent of economic transformation and seeks to assist the Government in the achievement of its Growth and Innovation strategy. We are keen to strengthen further New Zealand’s reputation in biological sciences and particularly AgResearch’s position in animal, plant and microbial sciences, as well as environmental sustainability," Dr Steele said

AgResearch’s plans include a proposal which could see science capabilities at the Wallaceville campus in Upper Hutt moved to Grasslands in Palmerston North and Invermay near Dunedin, and the Wallaceville campus closed. The plan is being presented to staff as part of an eight week consultative process, before a decision is made by the end of July.

Discussions are also being held with other stakeholders.

Dr Steele said historically, science facilities in New Zealand have been distributed around the country – principally near major cities. However modern-day advanced scientific research is more complex and requires a critical mass of scientific capabilities and advanced facilities for it to be globally competitive.

AgResearch’s proposal is aimed at optimising infrastructure and reducing duplication to ensure that the best economic value from science will be extracted for New Zealand.

"Our science is world-renowned, and to retain both reputation and global competitiveness, the Company must ensure it can be sustained into the future."