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Source: ONE News
The government is backing a seven-year research programme to develop new apple and pear varieties.
The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology is investing $10.8 million in the programme and Prevar is matching this with a further $10.8 million.
Plant & Food Research will partner with Prevar and the Foundation to fast-track the breeding of new varieties.
Foundation chief executive Murray Bain said the research is crucial to the ongoing growth and success of the New Zealand pipfruit industry and to keep ahead of international competition. He said public-private partnerships help ensure that the best of industry-led research is conducted by the best organisation for the job.
"Industries then have the research that they need to increase their competitiveness, to the overall benefit of New Zealand," he said.
Bain said the public-private partnerships encourage private investment, by lowering the risk involved.
Prevar chief executive Brett Ennis says there is intense competition in the global pipfruit market, with many of New Zealand's competitors seeking to export to the same market territories.
This investment will fast-track the breeding of new apple and pear varieties that are highly differentiated and meet consumer requirements in Northern Hemisphere and Asian export markets, Ennis said.
Scientists will use rapid-breeding methods to develop new varieties with desirable traits such as red flesh, high flavour and disease resistance.
