Farmers and industry leaders have written an open letter to Science Minister Shane Reti, warning that cuts to AgResearch’s science teams could have serious consequences for farm productivity and animal welfare.
The state-owned research institute, focused on scientific research to support the agricultural sector, is axing 40 positions.
Its entire parasitology team is being shut down—despite its globally recognised work on drench resistance (hard-to-control pests that survive deworming) in livestock.
“This is an area that needs immediate attention to safeguard farm productivity, animal welfare, and the broader economic contributions of our rural sector,” the letter states. Wormwise programme manager Ginny Dodunski calls the cuts “very disappointing,” warning that knowledge gaps on parasite control will leave livestock more vulnerable.
East Coast vet John Meban calls the decision “mindboggling,” saying drench resistance has only worsened over his 30-year career.
With limited funding and no new financial support on the horizon, the institute is prioritising other areas and attempting to redeploy affected staff.
Minister Reti acknowledges the tough choices but says Crown Research Institutes must “operate within their means.” He expects them to balance financial sustainability with delivering “quality science that will grow our economy.”
He says he is aware of AgResearch’s discussions with the sector about funding but offers no indication of intervention.
Centrist Ltd.