A new kiwifruit breeding centre has been formally approved in the Bay of Plenty.
The centre, which will start operating from October 1, 2021, will be based in Te Puke as well as operating out of Kerikeri, Motueka and Mt Albert.
The centre is a 50/50 joint venture between Plant & Food Research and Zespri and will have a presence globally in selected kiwifruit regions.
Its focus would be driving greater innovation within kiwifruit breeding, focusing on creating healthier, better tasting and more sustainability focused varieties, Zespri and Plant & Food Research said in a joint statement today.
The proposal to create the centre was signposted publicly in December 2020, and followed two years of due diligence.