KEY POINTS:
The Government is moving to establish university courses in measuring the carbon footprint of primary products.
Agriculture Minister David Carter said the Government was seeking proposals from universities to establish a professorship and courses in "life-cycle science". It would provide $1.5 million over five years.
Mr Carter said overseas consumers were increasingly demanding to know the environmental impact of their food.
"Our 'clean green' image is our most valuable marketing tool, and the work carried out under this initiative will underpin that image with science."
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is seeking proposals by February 13, with an announcement on the successful university in March. The professorship will be 95 per cent Government-funded in the first year, reducing to 25 per cent by the fifth year.
From year six, the initiative would need to be self-sufficient.
- NZPA
