Mapp: $20m for pipfruit research

Photo / Supplied

More than $20 million is to be invested in developing new apple and pear varieties, the Minister of Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp says.

The Foundation of Research, Science and Technology and apple and pear company Prevar would each invest $10.8 million in a project with the Plant & Food Research programme to fast-track the breeding of new varieties, Dr Mapp said today.

"The pipfruit industry plays a large part in the food-based science sector. It is crucial to the New Zealand economy," he said.

"In 2009 it earned $396 million from 68 countries and this investment will further strengthen our commercial advantage over our competitors."

Foundation chief executive Murray Bain said research and development was crucial to the ongoing growth and success of the industry.

"The intent of public-private partnerships such as this one is to ensure that the best of industry-led research is conducted by the best organisation for the job," he said.

"Plant & Food Research is currently world class with its pipfruit breeding technologies, but it is vital to increase the efficiency and scale of research programmes to keep ahead of international competition."

Prevar chief executive Brett Ennis said there was intense competition in the global pipfruit market.

"The beauty of this investment is that it will fast-track the breeding of new apple and pear varieties that are highly differentiated and that meet consumer requirements in Northern Hemisphere and Asian export markets," he said.

Scientists will use rapid-breeding methods to develop new varieties of apples and pears with desirable traits such as red flesh, high flavour and disease resistance.

- NZPA