74 | “Grasslanz is well-known for transforming AgResearch’s discoveries into practical products for farmers.” Anne Boswell Turning scientific breakthroughs into solutions Science with direct, tangible benefits for New Zealand farmers has taken centre stage at the 2025 Science New Zealand Awards, where Grasslanz Technology secured top honours. The Palmerston North-based company, the commercial forage and microbial solutions arm of AgResearch, was awarded both the prestigious Supreme Award and the Success in Innovation/ Commercialisation category at the March ceremony, held in Wellington. With the event themed ‘Impacts for Aotearoa New Zealand’, this year’s awards highlighted science that is driving innovation and delivering meaningful results for the country. Grasslanz’s contributions to agricultural science and practice exemplified that mission. “What is unique about our work is that it is literally making an impact on people’s farms, today,” Grasslanz CEO Megan Skiffington said. “It is science that has directly impacted the way New Zealanders manage their pastures.” Grasslanz is well-known for transforming AgResearch’s discoveries into practical products for farmers. Its work focuses on delivering high-performing pasture technologies and microbial solutions that make farming more productive, sustainable and resilient. The Science New Zealand Awards judging panel chairs praised Grasslanz’s standout contribution to the economy and its commitment to solving real-world issues faced by the primary sector, noting its success in aligning scientific excellence with economic and environmental sustainability. One such breakthrough is the AR37 Epichloë endophyte, a pest-resistant fungus developed by Grasslanz scientists. Now widely used in New Zealand pastures, it has been independently estimated to contribute $3.6 billion over the 20-year life of its patent - testament to its long-term value to the economy. “The award represents so many layers of people – from the fundamental science at the beginning, to the partners that invest with us and the people that technically upskill themselves to be able to offer these solutions on farm,” Megan said. Established in 2003, Grasslanz was formed with the goal of commercialising research into tools farmers can use directly - such as improved plant cultivars, microbial endophytes and seed production technologies. Its innovations are designed to lift farm productivity, enhance sustainability and promote RURAL SERVICES » Grasslanz animal health, while also offering alternatives to synthetic chemicals. While its early focus was on temperate forage and endophyte development, Grasslanz has since expanded its scope to include cutting-edge microbial and genetic technologies. Through close collaboration with partners, it has helped create resilient crops that withstand drought, pests and disease, without compromising environmental integrity. Grasslanz’s mission remains clear: to empower farmers with science-backed solutions to both emerging and longstanding on-farm challenges. By leveraging plant biotechnology, Grasslanz is enabling the sector to reduce chemical inputs, boost efficiency and operate more sustainably. In doing so, Grasslanz is not only bridging the gap between science and practical application - it is redefining how innovation reaches the paddock. Pick a proven performer. barenbrug.co.nz 0800 449 955 The benchmark in tetraploids. 4front NEA2 The phenomenal 3-5 year pasture. Forge NEA 3-5 years Perennial New Zealand’s top seller Maxsyn NEA4 Perennial The superstar perennial. Array NEA2 Perennial Take the risk out of your pasture renewal and get the best return by sowing a proven product, backed by science. As major investors in forage & endophyte research we are proud to support Graaslanz Technology – a key partner in growing New Zealand’s pastoral industry. www.cropmarkseeds.co.nz Fungal endophyte effect on ryegrass pasture persistence. Photos by Grasslanz Technology Ltd
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