Former top scientist says Federated Farmers is dreaming if it thinks investment in R&D will reach 3% of GDP by 2029 "“ and farmers only have themselves to blame reports The Rural News. John Lancashire, former president of the NZ Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science, says he does not have an issue with the 3% target, which he describes as "˜okay as a stretch target and a supportive statement for research'. However, he says if research and development (R&D) investment of 3% of GDP is to be achieved, farmers' attitudes towards investing in research must change. "˜The failure of the wool levy did not send a good message,' Lancashire says. "˜When industry does not want to get in behind research that is to its benefit and back it financially, it does not help calls for more Government investment. "˜Farming benefits tremendously from taxpayer-funded research, so it's not a good look when farmers aren't prepared to pay for it themselves. "˜It might be better if Feds at the top level concentrated more on how to fix farmer attitudes to research.' With this in mind, Lancashire is not surprised that the Wool Research Organisation of NZ was recently refused Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST) funding to set up a wool consortium. "˜It was always going to be a struggle for them to get Government money after farmers turned down the levy. This is exactly the sort of thing that will ensure we do not meet the 3%.' Lancashire says more private sector investment is also required. NZ businesses currently contribute about 0.4% of our R&D budget, compared with an OECD average of 1.4%. There are many reasons for this, Lancashire says, including the fact that many New Zealand businesses are small, with only six or seven staff members. "˜Historically, New Zealanders seem to hang on to the traditional idea that the Government will sort everything out. I'm not just talking welfare and students here "“ it's amazing how often successful New Zealand businesses have asked for a handout.
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