Extra funding for biosecurity, regional research and agricultural education in the 2015 Budget has been warmly welcomed by rural organisations.
New Zealand Biosecurity Services. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
In addition to announcing more money for biosecurity, the Government's also introduced a biosecurity levy for international travellers.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said the Budget would boost biosecurity funding by $25 million over four years.
He said the money would increase detector dog capacity and fund more x-ray machines.
There will also be a new biosecurity levy for international travellers, with departing passengers paying about $6, and those arriving about $16.
Kiwifruit Vine Health said the levy would help fund a sustainable biosecurity system at the border.
Lincoln University praised a 20 percent lift in funding for agricultural tertiary studies in the Budget, and the 7.5 percent increase for science funding.
The Government also announced $25 million in funding for Regional Research Institutes that it said would help support regional economies.