Lincoln Agritech

Lincoln Agritech is a New Zealand research and development company that uses science and engineering to deliver practical solutions to complex water, land-use and bio-resource challenges. It is owned by Lincoln University and is based in Lincoln, New Zealand. The organisation traces its origins to 1964, when it was established as the New Zealand Agricultural Engineering Institute (NZAEI). Over six decades it has evolved from a heavy machinery testing facility into an independent agritech-focused science and engineering research company, changing its name to Lincoln Agritech Ltd in 2012. The company works across the agricultural, horticultural, viticulture, arable and forestry sectors. Its capabilities include production lines, smart sensors and decision-making tools, and its research disciplines span digital and precision agriculture, biotechnology, green technology and new materials. Lincoln Agritech describes its impact areas as sustainable production, sustainable economic growth, protecting water resources, enhancing natural materials and action on climate change. Its water security and bio-resource solutions help farmers, urban land users, councils and communities make better decisions about allocating water efficiently, improving water quality and turning waste into high-value products. Lincoln Agritech combines scientific research with mātauranga Māori to co-develop solutions alongside communities and industry. It has grown from a single staff member at its formation in 1964 to more than 80 staff in 2024. The company publishes an annual review and maintains active research collaborations, and it positions itself as an innovator for the agricultural, industrial and environmental sectors.

Lincoln Agritech was established in 1964 as the New Zealand Agricultural Engineering Institute (NZAEI). Its early research concentrated on tractor safety frame testing, fencing, carcass disposal, farm water supply and agricultural aviation, financed mainly by Ministry of Agriculture grants. At its formation the institute had one staff member. In 1979, NZAEI opened a second research division in Ruakura, Hamilton. In 1994, NZAEI merged with the Kellogg Farm Management Unit and the Centre for Resource Management to form Lincoln Ventures Ltd. In 2012, the company changed its name to Lincoln Agritech Ltd to reflect its unique position as an independent agritech-focused science and engineering research company, owned by Lincoln University. From its beginnings as primarily a heavy machinery testing facility, Lincoln Agritech has expanded to become a leading innovator for the agricultural, industrial and environmental sectors. Its early research focus has expanded to include disciplines such as biotechnology, green technology and new materials. The company has grown from one staff member when formed in 1964 to more than 80 in 2024. It has delivered more than 60 years of applied research supporting agricultural engineering innovation in New Zealand.

• 2024

  Reached more than 80 staff members.

• 2012

  Changed its name to Lincoln Agritech Ltd.

• 1994

  Merged with the Kellogg Farm Management Unit and the Centre for Resource Management to form Lincoln Ventures Ltd.

• 1979

  Opened a second research division in Ruakura, Hamilton.

• 1964

  Established as the New Zealand Agricultural Engineering Institute (NZAEI) with one staff member.

Independent agritech-focused science and engineering research company delivering research-backed innovation for agriculture, industry and the environment.

• Water Security Solutions

  Tools for farmers, urban land users, councils and communities to allocate water efficiently and improve water quality.

• Bio Resource Solutions

  Solutions for turning waste into high-value products.

• Digital & Precision Agriculture

  AI and sensing technologies, including remote sensing, to assess spatial and temporal variability.

1. 1Home - Lincoln Agritechlincolnagritech.co.nz
2. 2History of Lincoln Agritech - Lincoln Agritechlincolnagritech.co.nz
3. 3About us - Lincoln Agritechlincolnagritech.co.nz
4. 4Lincoln Agritech Ltd - Wikidatawikidata.org