EnCoate™ was formed in 2003 as a 50:50 joint venture between New Zealand's largest government owned research company AgResearch Limited and New Zealand's largest agricultural chemical company Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd. The initial focus of the company was stabilising existing and novel bacteria in the agricultural sector, especially in bio-control area. This led to the commericalisation of the Bioshield product.
Encoate is now also using its technology for probiotic stabilisation in the food industry
AgResearch Limited is the largest government owned research company in New Zealand with a revenue stream of over US$100 million, 40% of which comes from the private industry and the commercial sector.
AgResearch Ltd is made up of seven renowned research centres spread across five cities and including a staff of 750 researchers. The research targets for these staff are the key issues faced by the biotechnology and pastoral sectors, and leads to innovative products and knowledge systems.
The AgResearch mission is focused around three complementary objectives:
- To establish a range of biotechnologies and systems in New Zealand
- To export these biotechnologies and systems where appropriate
- To underpin the New Zealand pastoral sector's sustainability and profitability
AgResearch aims to apply the depth of experience and expertise it has in every aspect of in biotechnology and in pastoral farming to continue to build substantial competitive advantage throughout the value chain.
AgResearch applies its expertise in biosciences and genetics to improve productivity and market success from forage to the supermarket shelf. The outputs of those endeavours directly benefit farmers, agribusiness and those involved in the food and health sectors.
