The Government's largest science company, AgResearch, says a new research arm it is setting up to focus on food will become its biggest.
More than 70 scientists with expertise in areas such as food safety, microbiology, nutrition and muscle physiology will make up the new food, metabolism and microbiology section.
"Bringing them together will create synergies and advance the practice of meat science in New Zealand," said Warren McNabb, who will head the section.
Merged from research groups working on meat quality and safety and metabolism and microbial genomics, the operation would give AgResearch a wider food focus and boost its capability in meat science.
"Meat is one of the primary sector's most valuable products," he said.
As countries such as China and India became wealthier, their demand for protein would increase and New Zealand was uniquely placed to take advantage of this.
By finding new ways to add value to meat, researchers could increase export returns for farmers.
McNabb said the new section was an opportunity for AgResearch to capitalise on the good name earned by the former Meat Industry Research Institute which became part of AgResearch in 1999.
The food, metabolism and microbiology section would also focus on health and investigate the nutritional properties and potential of food as part of AgResearch's wider food strategy.
