A new ryegrass that could that could be a game-changer for New Zealand agriculture is being field tested in the United States, because Kiwi scientists aren't allowed to test it here.
The genetically modified High Metabolisable Energy (HME) ryegrass has been shown in AgResearch's laboratories to grow up to 50 per cent faster than conventional ryegrass.
It is also able to store more energy for better animal growth, is more resistant to drought, and produces up to 23 per cent less methane (the largest single contributor to New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions) from livestock.
AgResearch Principal Scientist Dr Greg Bryan spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay about the new rye grass and how long it could be before it reaches our shores.