1. MAF Policy Funded Operational Research in Progress 2002/2003
MAF is responsible for providing the Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister of Forestry and Minister for Biosecurity with policy advice on a wide range of issues. Sound policy advice is built on a foundation of robust data. Where there is a lack of suitable information MAF may seek to contract a research group to provide it. This type of research, which provides information to assist in policy development and implementation, is known as “operational research”.
Operational research is funded through departmental votes and established by chief executives to:
- support policy advice to Ministers;
- assist with the execution of statutory duties;
- support purchasing decisions;
- evaluate practice, programmes or policies funded by other organisations/departments;
- support departmental advice to industry or the community; and
- support the production of specific outputs which are agreed between chief executives of departments and their Minister, and appear in the departments’ corporate plan.
Some actual examples include; the development of diagnostic techniques for fruit fly to assist in protecting New Zealand’s horticultural industry; public perceptions and issues in the biological control of possums and rabbits; pen configuration for sheep-carrying ships protecting trade; cost-benefit analysis model for pest risk analysis; and determining the levels of methane produced by ruminants to gather inventory data enabling New Zealand to meet international obligations concerning greenhouse gases.
MAF reviewed its operational research system during 1996/97 to enhance its effectiveness. Six priority research categories were established and scored by MAF staff against a model comprising high level criteria of MAF’s need for research information and strategic fit to MAF goals. The model was developed using a Visual Interactive Sensitivity Analysis computer package in association with Victoria Link Ltd. The number of categories was subsequently reduced to four (below) following the merger of the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry to better reflect the emphasis of the new organisation. These priority categories should assist science providers in determining the type of research MAF Policy is likely to fund. MAF is reconsidering these priorities this year in response to recent changes in its responsibilities.
Research currently being carried out under contract is covered in the following outcome-driven categories:
- Facilitating market access;
- Maintaining biosecurity;
- Promoting industry and rural community performance; and
- Facilitating resource management.
Research proposals on animal welfare were assessed under two categories, indicated by their identifier letters. These have been separated out in this document for ease of access.
Summary of Research Portfolio (2002/2003)
Figure 1 Operational Research to underpin MAF policy advice and operational responsibilities ($1.644 million GST inclusive – Note some contracts are yet to be finalised)
Figure 2 Possum/Bovine Tb Research ($1.893 million GST inclusive)
(Note: Some possum research programmes reported in previous years as part of this category were transferred to FRST control and funding at the conclusion of the 2001-2002 year).
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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