2.3.3 Research
Past and Current Research
Research agencies were asked to provide details on past and current research that was specifically targeted for organic production as well as that the organisation perceived to be of relevance to organic producers or the organic industry.
(a) Organic Production Research
Past Research Projects
Over $5.8 million was suggested as being invested in research since 1990 in projects which were directly relevant to certified organic production. The most significant funding for these projects was from the MAF Vote Agriculture between 1990 - 1992 prior to the restructuring of science funding in New Zealand. After 1992 the Public Good Science Fund managed by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FORST) was the most significant funder while company-funded research was also significant. Smaller amounts of funding came from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as well as Agmardt.
Table 2.1: An outline of Organic Production Project Funding 1990 - 1996
| Subject | Research Agency | Funding Agency | Approx. Value |
| Various projects | Crop and Food | MAF 1990 - 92 | $1,432,000 |
| Various projects | Crop and Food | PGSF, NSOF Commercial | $62,500 |
| Fruit Production | Hort CRI | PGSF 1992-95 | $2,000,000 |
| Fruit Production | Hort CRI | Commercial | $540,000 |
| Various projects | AgResearch | MAF 1990-92 | $800,000 |
| Various projects | AgResearch | PGSF 1992-96 | est.$400,000 |
| Various projects | AgResearch | Commercial | $50,000 |
| Farmer decision making | Lincoln University | PGSF | $30,000 |
| Industry Review | Otago University | PGSF | $60,000 |
| Various projects | Lincoln University | Agmardt, Commercial | $91,000 |
| Other - technical | Other CRI, Polytechs, Universities | Commercial, Internal | $183,000 |
| Total | $5,648,500 |
Current Research Projects
Approximately $1.8 million was estimated by respondents as being currently spent on research projects which were directly relevant to certified organic production. Approximately seventy five percent of this funding was obtained from PGSF funding, with the most significant part being undertaken by Hort Research into biological orchard production systems. Crop and Food Research also had a number of research projects investigating pest control in vegetables. The Meat Research Development Council was also funding a project on organic meat production undertaken by AgResearch. Other smaller research projects were also funded by companies, Agmardt and through the FORST Technology for Business Growth Programme.
Table 2.2: Current Research into Organic Production
| Subject | Research Agency | Funding Agency | Approximate Value |
| Organic disinfestation method for Asparagus | Crop and Food | TBG | $60,000 |
| Pest Control in vegetables | Crop and Food | Agmardt, TBG, PGSF, Commercial | $400,000 |
| Organic Livestock Production | AgResearch | PGSF | $137,000 |
| Fruit Production | Hort CRI | PGSF | $700,000 |
| Compost | Hort CRI | PGSF | $200,000 |
| Biological Fruit Production | Hort CRI | Commercial | $26,000 |
| Infrastructure Review | Otago University | PGSF | $90,000 |
| Industry Review | Otago University | MAF | $18,000 |
| Carrot Management | Lincoln University | Agmardt | $50,000 |
| Pest Management | Lincoln University | FORST, Commercial | $78,000 |
| Other - technical | Various | Internet, Commercial | $69,000 |
| Total | $1,828,000 |
(b) Research Relevant to Organic Production
Past Research Projects
Some respondents found difficulty in separating out and identifying past research projects of perceived value for organic farmers. It was noted that there were many research projects with wide cross-benefits and of potential relevance for organic producers. Estimates of over $60 million in research funding for projects which may be of relevance to organic farmers was made by survey respondents. However, it should be noted that some significant research agencies did not provide estimates. The major funding agency for these project was PGSF with approximately 85 per cent of the funding while other agencies such as private companies or grower organisations funded eight per cent and other funding organisations such as the MRDC and Agmardt funded another seven per cent.
Current Research Projects
Appendix 4 provides a detailed analysis of the 1995/96 PGSF-funded projects and attempts to identify those projects to be perceived to be of value for organic production.
Total funding for these projects is over $31 million during that year. Caution should be exercised with this figure however as the identification of projects which may be relevant for organic production is very subjective and will depend on the point of view of the analyst.
2.3.3.1 Research Priorities
Research agencies were asked to suggest priorities for research for increased organic production or the development of the organic industry. Some respondents did not believe that priorities for research could or should be defined:
"Priorities are not different or specific to organic research than for research which is targeted to sustainable production. The technical research should address both issues. Organic production is at one end of a scale of production systems and is not different thus research priorities are the same."
Outlined below are suggested research priorities:
Contact for Enquiries
Kay Brown
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0695
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0746
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