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Bragato: New viticulture research programme to boost productivity
October 2024: As costs continue to rise, vineyards must adapt and innovate to remain profitable. A new research programme called Next Generation Viticulture, led by Bragato Research Institute (BRI), will explore ways to grow vines more efficiently.
“The programme's vision is to increase the profitability of the New Zealand wine industry by improving vineyard productivity, reducing variability in yields, while delivering exceptional quality New Zealand wines the world demands,” says New Zealand Winegrowers Chair Clive Jones.
Clive made the announcement following the signing of a new partnership between the Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Winegrowers, and seven wine business co-investors contributing cash and in-kind. Bragato Research Institute is contracted to manage and deliver the programme.
BRI's new CEO Dr Juliet Ansell says, “Next Generation Viticulture is aligned with BRI's research strategy, which has a strong focus on improving vineyard profitability and sustainable winegrowing.”
Photo: Bragato Research Institute.
Peter Barrowclough awarded Life Membership of IRANZ
October 2024: The IRANZ Board has recently announced that Peter Barrowclough has been awarded Life Membership in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the science and research community, particularly during his tenure as CEO of Lincoln Agritech Ltd. In making the award, IRANZ Chair Dr John McDermott said Peter's leadership has left a substantial legacy, both within the organisation and across the wider New Zealand research landscape.
Presenting the life membership, IRANZ Executive Officer Dr Rob Whitney commended Peter's exceptional leadership as CEO of Lincoln Agritech Ltd, noting his ability to foster a thriving research environment despite the challenges faced by independent research institutes without core funding.
Peter served as CEO of Lincoln Agritech Ltd, an R&D company and Independent Research Organisation fully owned by Lincoln University, from 2009 to December 2023. Over his 14-year tenure as CEO, Peter transformed the company from 35 staff with a turnover of $5.5 million to 85 staff with a turnover of $15 million, establishing Lincoln Agritech as one of Aotearoa's leading research and development organisations for the primary and food processing sectors.
Peter Barrowclough.
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Welcome to the Independent Research Association of New Zealand
IRANZ is an association of independent research organisations. IRANZ represents the collective interests of members by undertaking activities aimed at creating a positive operating environment for Independent Research Organisations in New Zealand.
IRANZ member organisations make vital contributions to a broad range of scientific fields, and offer an important complement to university-based and Crown Research Institute research. Our smaller sizes and greater flexibility provide an environment that is particularly conducive to innovation and end-user engagement.
IRANZ member organisations:
- Are ‘independent’ (non-government owned);
- Carry out high-quality scientific research, development or technology transfer;
- Have strong linkages with end-users;
- Work in a diverse range of settings and subject specialities;
- Derive a significant portion of their work from Government research contracts;
- Collaborate with universities, Crown Research Institutes and research departments of industrial organisations; and
- Having varying governance and ownership arrangements.
Find out more about IRANZ and our members by checking out our News page.