Wellington, New Zealand
September 24, 2008
Source:
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Two of New Zealand’s Crown
Research Institutes (CRIs) have been granted shareholder
approval to merge, Minister of Research, Science and Technology
Pete Hodgson said today.
HortResearch and Crop & Food Research will merge on 1 December
2008 into a new CRI.
The Boards of the two companies initiated the merger to create a
critical mass based on the combined strength in plant-based food
research capabilities that are currently segregated in the two
companies.
“This change is a bold and exciting step which will produce
benefits for scientific endeavour and will enhance the
contribution of the CRI sector to New Zealand’s economic,
social, and environmental well-being,” Pete Hodgson said.
The merger will combine the two companies’ knowledge and
expertise in nationally significant areas of sustainable
production, elite genetics and smart breeding, and food and
health, which will benefit wider national initiatives and
strategies.
“The critical mass created through the merger will allow the
combined CRI to better service key client needs, combine
complementary skills, and share equipment,” Pete Hodgson said.
There are no proposed closures of sites, although Crop & Food
Research and HortResearch staff members in some areas may be
brought together in the same location. Jim McLean, current chair
of HortResearch has been appointed as chair.
A name for the new CRI will be announced before 1 December 2008.
HortResearch currently has 541 staff and in 2007/08 earned
revenue of $65 million. It is acknowledged as a world leader in
integrated fruit research and is responsible for a range of
successful cultivars including the ZESPRI™ GOLD Kiwifruit and
ENZA JAZZ™ apple.
Crop & Food Research currently has 380 staff and in 2007/08
earned revenue of $56 million. Its key research focus is
engaging with industry in producing and transforming
high-quality raw materials into high-value foods.
Others news
from
HortResearch and
from Crop & Food
Research |
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