Future directions for meat research and development in New Zealand

If meat research, from production through to the marketplace, is not adequately funded, then much of the research needed to improve New Zealand’s position in the marketplace will not be undertaken. A prime need for the overall industry is to harness a nd coordinate the research efforts of all sectors as their overall goals are essentially the same. For example, improved informati on systems would benefit all participants. Better information is needed to encourage improvements at all stages of the production to marke ting chain. As part of this process, work is needed to give a better system of rewarding producers for the quantity and quality of s aleable product produced. Research is needed to enable prediction of the eating quality of meat from measurements taken shortly after s laughter. A smoothed system of payment is needed to replace the present “steps-and-stairs” system. This paper considers some issues affec ting the conduct of research in the meat industry, and discusses selected areas of research that show promise.