Nats set to cut science budget

National is set to slash funding for agriculture and food research, dumping Labour's $700 million Fast Forward fund in favour of a scheme worth $30m a year.

But researchers are concerned even the pared-back funding could be in jeopardy, as recession-hit firms struggle to find the cash required to match the Government's contribution.

Agriculture Minister David Carter's office would not confirm the $30m figure yesterday, but said a substantial investment in primary sector innovation would be in the May 28 Budget.

However, in a paper presented to a Waikato agricultural advisory committee, Crown Research Institute AgResearch representative Simon Lovett said Mr Carter had indicated "there would be a replacement scheme that would amount to $90m of government funds over three years".

"Minister Carter noted that the industry contribution that government required would vary case-by-case rather than being fixed at 50-50."

Till there was a formal commitment, contributions for proposals that would not produce short-term results would remain uncertain.

Investments were also contingent on contributions by industry, which had been hit by the economic crisis.

Labour had planned to inject $700m into the Fast Forward fund over 10 to 15 years, with matching contributions from the private sector.

Labour Party research spokeswoman Moana Mackey said National's move was disappointing.

"In a time of recession we should invest more."

Agricultural scientist Doug Edmeades said governments had allowed research funding to drop from $130m in 1990 to $70m despite a proven return of 17 per cent.

Mr Carter said Labour's scheme had "a number of positives" but National did not agree with its funding mechanism.

Waikato Innovation Park chief executive Derek Fairweather said National's smaller funding would not encourage firms.

"I'm a little bit bemused by the economic strategy ... $30m a year against $1.5b on tarmac for roads [in Auckland]?"

- © Fairfax NZ News