Research & Development – Driving Innovation Across Agriculture

Holistic & Commercially Focused Research

Midlands takes a fully integrated approach to research. We combine seed production, nutrition, and honey expertise to drive measurable benefits:

• Higher yields & superior crop quality through precision agronomy
• Advanced nutritional profiling for oils and superfoods
• Innovative honey solutions with guaranteed purity and consistency
• Sustainable farming practices that support environmental stewardship
• Reliable, traceable solutions for global markets

Seed Research & Hybrid Crop Innovation

Seed research forms the backbone of our programs. From high-performing vegetable and forage hybrids to Southern Hemisphere adaptation, we leverage:

• Advanced breeding and genetic evaluation
• Optimised agronomic practices for soil, irrigation, and pest control
• Pollination management and crop isolation for hybrid purity
• Field trials across Canterbury, Central Otago, Marlborough, Wairarapa, and Hawke’s Bay

These initiatives deliver traceable, high-purity seeds that perform in diverse growing conditions worldwide.

Nutrition & Honey Research

Our research extends to nutrition and honey, ensuring products are market-ready and globally competitive:

• Nutrition Research: Monitoring crop quality, fatty acid and nutrient profiling, stability testing, and innovative product formats
• Honey Research: Advanced lab testing, product innovation, automated production technology, and bee health programs
• Through these programs, Midlands ensures consistent, safe, and high-quality ingredients for international markets.

Collaborative Innovation & Global Partnerships

Midlands works with universities, government institutes, and industry networks to enhance R&D:

• Crop genetics and hybrid breeding
• Bee genomics and pollination science
• Food science and functional nutrition
• Sustainable farming and environmental research

This collaborative approach accelerates innovation, validates best practices, and delivers practical solutions for global customers.

By integrating field research, laboratory science, and practical agronomy, Midlands’ R&D creates a seamless ecosystem for innovation. Our focus on sustainability, traceability, and operational excellence ensures that every seed, oil, or Mānuka honey product meets the highest global standards—helping our partners succeed in international markets.

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