WELLINGTON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee on Friday announced an 11-million-NZ dollar (8-million-U.S. dollar) boost to global agricultural research.
"New Zealand is a world leader in international agriculture research and we want to help meet global food needs in ways that are positive for the environment," Brownlee said.
New Zealand is committing 11 million NZ dollars (8 million U.S. dollars) over two years to the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a network of research institutes around the world that focus on agriculture, forestry and fishing.
"Our contribution will support improved access to safe, affordable and nutritious food, reduce poverty by improving farming practices, and enhance the management of natural resources," Brownlee said.
Brownlee is currently in Colombia for the Pacific Alliance Summit. Agriculture innovation is at the centre of what New Zealand has to offer to the region.
In March, the New Zealand-Pacific Alliance Agricultural Cooperation Initiative was established, which will engage on projects within the Pacific Alliance that could benefit from New Zealand expertise and innovation.
The initiative will provide 800,000 NZ dollars (586,142 U.S. dollars) over two years to support cooperation activities.
So far, three Pacific Alliance delegations have visited New Zealand to research areas for potential collaboration - Colombia (red meat sector), Mexico (dairy, goat and sheep) and Peru (dairy). A Chilean delegation focused on horticulture and irrigation will visit New Zealand in October.
