The objective of the challenge was to develop high-value foods with validated health benefits.
It will be led by researchers from the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, Massey University, AgResearch, and Plant and Food Research.
“Over the past six months researchers from a range of institutions and across disciplines have been developing Challenge proposals,” Joyce said.
He said the challenge brought researchers together to focus on the big science-based issues facing the country.
There would be ten challenges.
The first challenge would examine the health benefits of food and how New Zealand could add value through science to our primary produce, he said.
“The Challenge will provide the science to underpin and enhance NZ’s reputation as a producer of high-quality, safe foods with validated health benefits.”
The funding of $30.6m has been approved subject to the finalisation of contract conditions.
After a review at the end of five years another $53.2m will become available for a second five-year period.
Total funding for the High-Value Nutrition Challenge is up to $180.8m over 10 years.
Relevant Crown research institutes would fund $97m of that over ten years.
Other proposed challenges would be confirmed by the end of April.
The new Challenge money comprises $73.5m over four years in Budget 2013, in addition to the $60m over four years allocated in Budget 2012; and continuing funding of $30.5m a year after that.
