Investigation of farmer funding of agricultural research and development with a focus on the deer velvet industry: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the conditions under which a group of farmers would be willing to fund a research and development project on their own account. The issue arises because of changes in research and development funding which have arisen in the current market driven economy. Background information on the deer velvet industry is presented. A review of the current research funding for agriculture in New Zealand was carried out, and changes that have occurred since the economic reforms in 1984 have been documented. The current review of the Producer Boards was studied, with a focus on how they might operate under the Commodity Levies Act 1990. A group of deer farmers were interviewed using a qualitative interview technique. The interviews were then transcribed drawing out the main points presented by the farmer interviewees. The results are presented any similarities or differences in farmer responses highlighted. The deer velvet industry and the changing research funding environment were then discussed in the context of the information gained from the farmers. Conclusions drawn on how this may effect future research and development funding in the agricultural sector. The study found no connection between the characteristics of the farmers and their responses. What was shown was that the farmers would take a very business like approach to the project and evaluate it on its business merits, the risks involved and the likely returns on the investment. The way the farmers expected to gain the returns differed with one group arguing the returns should come through increased stability and a possible increase in the price received for velvet. The other group argued that the returns should be gained as a return on the investment and not be linked to the farms velvet production. This highlights the need for negotiation between the parties involved in any potential research investment to discuss how the returns would be achieved. The study shows that there is the opportunity for a progressive farmer or group of farmers to get together to fund their own research projects. This implies a greater emphasis on the formation of links between industry and researchers.