Part of the funding will go towards further research into the effect plantain (above) has on nitrous oxide emissions. Photo:
The government is funding more research into reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by agriculture.
"Demand for tools and practices that reduce agricultural greenhouse gases is growing both in New Zealand and internationally. Research on our unique pasture-based farming systems is the gateway to meeting that demand." agriculture minister Damien O'Connor said.
A fund of more than $9m will support up to 15 PhD students and 12 post-doctoral students, over six years.
There will be $350,000 going towards existing research on a methane suppression vaccine.
"This funding will be used to test two alternative protein production systems and if successful, could help realise a vaccine as a real option for farmers," O'Connor said.
There will be $200,000 allocated to fund further research into the effect plantain has on nitrous oxide emissions.
O'Connor said the success of the research projects would be two-fold.
"It will see us meet our emissions targets as a sector, and open up significant export revenue for our IP."
The funding comes from the money allocated to the Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions in last year's Budget.