HortResearch and Crop & Food

New Zealand’s Crop and Food Research and fruit research company HortResearch are to merge on December 1 into a new Crown Research Institute (CRI).

New Zealand’s Minister of Research, Science and Technology Pete Hodgson said that the merger would go ahead subject to Commerce Commission approval, according to NZPA.

NZPA reported last month that the two big science companies - split off from government departments in 1992 - had political approval to look at merging.

Mr Hodgson said the 'bold and exciting' merger would combine the two CRIs' strength in plant-based food research capabilities.

'The merger will combine the two companies' knowledge and expertise in nationally significant areas of sustainable production, elite genetics and smart breeding, and food and health, which will benefit wider national initiatives and strategies,' he said.

'The critical mass created through the merger will allow the combined CRI to better service key client needs, combine complementary skills, and share equipment.'

Mr Hodgson said there were no plans to close any sites but staff would be brought together in some areas.

Jim McLean, current chairman of HortResearch has been appointed as chairman.

A name for the new CRI will be announced before December.

HortResearch has 541 staff and in 2007/08 earned revenue of NZ$65m, reports NZPA. Mr Hodgson said it was an acknowledged world leader in integrated fruit research and its cultivation successes included the Zespri Gold kiwifruit and Enza Jazz apple.

Crop and Food Research has 380 staff and in 2007/08 earned revenue of NZ$56m. Its key research focus was producing and transforming high-quality raw materials into high-value foods.

The two companies were among 10 crown research institutes set up in 1992.