Our Purpose
AgResearch's purpose is very simple - to enhance the value, productivity and profitability of Aotearoa New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology sectors.
We aim to contribute to the economic growth of the country and help achieve positive environmental and social outcomes.
We do this by utilising our diverse science capability - from farm systems to climate change mitigation and adaptation, to pest control and high value foods.
We encourage you to read more about AgResearch and engage with us.
About AgResearch
Our Science
He Ahuwhenua Toitū
Sustainable agriculture
Research to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand’s pastoral agriculture systems are resilient and economically viable in the face of climate change.
Kia Tōnui ngā Pakihi-Ahuwhenua Māori
Thriving Māori agribusiness
Research that supports Māori agribusinesses to thrive, prosper, and connect with ancestral landscapes for a sustainable future for te taiao.
Ngā Pūnaha Pāmu te Anamata
Future farming systems
Transcending the scope of individual farms to catchments and regions, this priority challenges the paradigms of land use with community-centric sustainable design and practices that prioritise long-term environmental and community health, stability, and wellbeing.
Ngā Whakamaru Koiora Uruuru
Integrated biosecurity
Research to protect New Zealand’s pastoral agriculture systems and economy from pests through innovative biosecurity solutions and enhanced data integration.
Ngā Kai Aranga
Emerging foods
Research that explores ‘new tech’ food solutions, applying our capabilities to disruptive and innovative food systems that complement conventional food and protein production methods.
Latest Work
Research
Big developments in food fermentation
Active
Sheep milk: Science supporting industry growth
Active
Sensory and consumer perception
Active
Better microbes, better calves
AgResearch is providing a better understanding of the complexities of the digestive tract of ruminants.
5 Min Read
Sensing the future of dairy farming
Within our SSIF-funded, New Zealand Bioeconomy in a Digital Age (NZBIDA) programme we are researching the future of dairy farming.
3 Min Read
Invasive beetle crisis in Solomon Islands
AgResearch scientists were part of an NZ MFAT funded project to assist the Solomon Islanders to find a solution to an invasive beetle.
5 Min Read
Pasture-fed livestock production and products: Science behind the narrative
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the science evidence behind "grass-fed" livestock production.
Growing Tagasaste in New Zealand
This handbook has been produced for farmers and others who grow, or want to grow and learn about tagasaste.
Explore Our Site
Empowering our agricultural sector
Our initiatives all work towards progressing Aotearoa New Zealand’s agricultural sector. AgResearch has a deep track record of successful commercial and science-based partnerships.
A core focus of AgResearch is to make a significant difference by valuing Mātauranga Māori as a knowledge system that is just as important as others, respecting the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and partnering closely with Māori agribusiness and communities.
Agricultural research expertise
Our team’s expertise spans areas like plant systems, food and bioproducts, and sustainable farming systems. We understand that every part of the agricultural ecosystem presents challenges and opportunities from preserving the quality and nutrients in our soil through realising a circular bioeconomy to the health and management of sheep and cattle.
