PPCS joins forces with gene expert

WELLINGTON - Dunedin-based meat company PPCS has stolen a march on its rivals - by capturing the nation's leading scientist in sheep genetics.

PPCS said it had set up a joint venture, Global Technologies (NZ), with eminent bio-technologist, Professor Diana Hill.

Professor Hill has given up her role as head of Otago University's molecular biology unit to help PPCS commercialise New Zealand's world lead in sheep science. PPCS chief executive Stewart Barnett said the new company would not try to "lock up" research which had already been done by Agresearch, as some of it was already in the public domain.

The meat cooperative has a turnover of more than $1 billion and last year distributed $15.8 million to its 10,000 farmer-suppliers - NZPA