Explore this section to find information about how biotechnology is being applied to all primary industry sectors in New Zealand.
Click on the sectors to find out more.
For centuries, the farming of both crops and livestock has depended on selective breeding for particular characteristics. Today's understanding of organism systems, and particularly DNA, has led to changes in selection and breeding possibilities.
Aquaculture involves the farming and management of aquatic plants and animals to supplement the natural supply. Current biotechnology focuses on enhancing productivity and looking for unique products.
Bioprocessing can refer to either the separation of specific molecules from living systems or the use of processes found in living systems to manufacture and manipulate products (for example using enzymes).
With an economy based on primary production, and a range of unique and sometimes endangered plants and animals, New Zealand is vulnerable to biosecurity threats and environmental contamination.
New Zealand has biotechnology research strengths in functional food, nutraceuticals and nutrigenomics.
Forensic Science covers all aspects of investigating a crime scene. Biotechnology has a part to play in a range of different areas.
Biotechnology is part of everyday life, and has been for thousands of years. People have cultured bacteria to make yoghurt and cheese; used yeasts to make bread; fermented grapes to make wine; and selectively bred plants and animals to create new types of fruits, more powerfully scented flowers, and sheep with whiter, finer wool.