Resources Research Strategy

FAR's research and extension portfolio spans everything from environmental and field based crop agronomy trials to international collaborations with the aim of meeting the identified needs of New Zealand's arable industry, now and in the future.

FAR's research and extension portfolio supports our vision of “A vibrant and profitable arable sector producing healthy, value-added food, feed and seed." Research is split between three themes: Maximising productivity and value; Environmental and social best practice; and Resilient cropping in farming systems. Each year, in consultation with growers up and down the country, we review and update the short, medium and long-term projects within each theme.

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FAR Technology Strategy 2024-2028

Leader: Chris Smith

View the 2024-2028 Technology Strategy

FAR Environmental Strategy 2024-2030

Theme leader: Abie Horrocks.

View the 2024-2030 Environmental Strategy

Resilient cropping in farming systems

Approximately 20% of FAR's research budget is intended to deliver resilient cropping in farming systems, with the largest investments in managing pesticide resistance and identifying future alternatives to at-risk chemistry.

Theme leader: Andrew Pitman.

International Research Advisory Panel

FAR’s International Science Advisory Panel (ISAP) was established in 2023 to support high quality research, development and extension (R, D & E). ISAP members provide strategic insights on international trends in agriculture and related sciences. The ISAP also provides technical advice into FAR’s main research areas: agronomy, pest management and agrichemical resistance, and to mentor staff.

The ISAP complements FAR’s Research Development & Advisory Committee (RDAC), which is comprised largely of grower representatives. The RDAC ensures our R, D & E programme reflects the needs of all arable growing regions.

ISAP members

Nicole Anderson (USA)
Associate Professor, Oregon State University, Corvallis
Expertise: applied research and extension outreach in grass and legume seed crops in Oregon.

Fiona Burnett (Scotland)
Professor of Applied Plant Pathology & Arable Technical Lead, Scottish Rural University College
Expertise: plant health and sustainable and integrated crop production; pesticide stewardship and integrated pest management.

Matt Cromey (New Zealand)
Plant Pathologist (Independent)
Expertise: cereal disease.

Paul Horne (Australia)
Director, IPM Technologies
Expertise: integrated pest management and the biological control of invertebrate pests.

Chris Preston (Australia)
Professor of Weed Management, University of Adelaide
Expertise: integrated weed management (IWM) to combat herbicide resistance.

Jacqueline Rowarth (New Zealand)
Adjunct Professor, Lincoln University
Expertise: soil and environmental science and communication.

David Teulon (New Zealand)
Principal Scientist, Plant and Food Research
Expertise: plant protection and plant biosecurity, including border biosecurity.

Steve Thomas (New Zealand)
Senior Scientist, Plant and Food Research
Expertise: on-farm soil, nutrient and water management.

Ian Yule (New Zealand)
Founder, Stoneleigh Consulting
Expertise: precision agriculture, precision horticulture, agri-technology and remote sensing.