2020 Science - supporting the future of our Agricultural sector

To support and grow a prosperous agricultural sector, AgResearch’s research and development needs clear direction – direction that comes from our 2020 Science Strategy. Developed originally in 2005, 2020 Science underpins AgResearch’s business and future path. It provides guidance on investment, capability and capacity requirements, facility requirements, partnerships and key collaborations.

In recognising that our country’s chief sources of future prosperity will be responsive and responsible agricultural science and technology, 2020 Science is not just a vision for agriculture, but a vision for New Zealand’s future.

2020 Science is based on five goals -

• Goal 1 - To help create the future dairy industry
• Goal 2 - To help create the future meat industry
• Goal 3 - To help create the future wool industry
• Goal 4 - To help achieve a pest and disease-free future
• Goal 5 - Enabling capacity for change in agriculture and its future communities

Since 2005, 2020 Science has been continually re-examined to ensure we are on the right track to deliver science, and foster opportunities, to meet these five goals.

In late 2009 and early 2010, five teams were set up to review and revalidate the strategy. These teams used a scenario planning approach to examine what New Zealand agriculture might look like in 2020. The teams then assessed and benchmarked where New Zealand agriculture is now, worked out what needs to be done, and the major areas to work in, for New Zealand to reach these 2020 outcomes.

They then divided the next 10 years into three periods: 2010-2013, 2013-2016 and 2016-2020. Actions that need to be carried out during each period have been set down, to enable us to work towards the 2020 goals. Implementation plans were set out, which include the resources, capability and people needed to achieve the goals.

2020 Science Coordinator, Dr Jimmy Suttie, says the refined strategy is now entering a phase of consultation, prioritisation and detailed planning of priority actions.

“This planning will be rolled out to internal and external stakeholders over the next few months to develop a sound shared vision for AgResearch and industry. We will work with industry groups and partners here, and internationally, to develop a 2020 Strategy that will guide science and technology to build a more valuable future for our agricultural sector.”