About us

At Plant & Food Research, we believe science can create a better future.

By finding smarter, greener options today, we’re helping secure the world we want to live in tomorrow.

With our partners, we use world-leading science to improve the way they grow, fish, harvest, prepare and share food. Every day, we have 1000 people working across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world to help deliver healthy foods from the world’s most sustainable systems.

New fruits, better grains, smarter use of chemicals, stronger biosecurity, higher yields, exciting foods, great nutrition, reduced waste.

We answer complex biological questions; we design innovative products and technologies; and we look over the horizon for new ways to grow a smart green future.

Plant & Food Research is a group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Formed on 1 July 2025, the Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single organisation, conducting research to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio-based technologies and products.  

The combined Institute brings together more than 2,000 people, including 1,500 scientists and researchers. The Bioeconomy Science Institute is a Crown Research Institute, owned by the New Zealand Government and governed by an independent Board of Directors.