Why more science funding is critical for NZ agriculture – Dr Jacqueline Rowarth

Opinion byJacqueline RowarthAdjunct Professor Lincoln University·The Country·19 Oct, 2026 04:00 PM4 mins to read‌To grow exports, New Zealand needs more investment in science, not less. Photo / 123rfTo grow exports, New Zealand needs more investment in science, not less. Photo / 123rfIt’s a record. A whopping $65.2 billion in food and fibre exports, making up 80% of the export economy, building jobs and enabling improvements in the Kiwi way of life. Inflation and the exchange rate have played a part, but nothing should detract from the remarkable job that the primary