A joint venture between New Zealand’s government and apple and pear developer Prevar will invest NZD21.6 million (US$10.1 million) in research and development for new apple and pear varieties, local newsite stuff.co.nz reported.

The government’s Foundation for Research, Science and Technology will match a NZD 10.8 million investment from Prevar that will fast track the breeding of new varieties, Minister of Research Science and Technology Wayne Mapp was quoted as saying.

According to the report, the investment is needed for New Zealnd to stay competitive globally with new apple and pear varieties. Specifically researchers will target consumers in the northern hemisphere.

The foundation´s first investment in new varieties started in 2004 and has reached some NZD 1.4 million per year.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com