Transtasman science organisations are pooling resources to organise a major industry conference in Christchurch later this year.
AgResearch and Australia's CSIRO Livestock Industries are organising the October conference, which will discuss whether animal agriculture's future lies in value or volume.
The conference will bring together businessmen and scientists from around the world to discuss what is driving change in agriculture, scientific developments and industry transformation.
‘‘As scientific research agencies, we think there is a promising commercial future for Australasian farmers to grow high-value food and fibre products,'' AgResearch chief executive Andrew West said.
‘‘For example, we envisage a future where some dairy farmers will produce milk for highly valuable nutriceutical products designed to enhance human health.''
But this view was not universally accepted, and Dr West said the conference would attract speakers from all sides of the debate.
‘‘This change needs debate. Do our countries focus on producing more milk or higher value milk? More meat or high value meat?
"And likewise for wool. Do we focus on volume or value simultaneously?'' he said.
The conference is to be in Christchurch held from October 28 to 30.