Grasslanz Technology Limited

Grasslanz Technology Limited is a New Zealand agricultural biotechnology company headquartered in Palmerston North. Established in 2003, it was created to direct research and development investment toward commercially deliverable technologies that farmers and growers can actually use. The company describes itself as developing plant and microbial technologies for a sustainable future, and it collaborates with industry partners and researchers to bring innovative biological solutions to market. Grasslanz has a history embedded in the development of temperate forage varieties and grass endophytes, and it has continued to expand into new research areas. Its work spans seed production and plant cultivars, microbial endophytes, and broader plant biotechnology, including genetic engineering (GE) technologies. The company's stated mission is to empower farmers through proprietary seed-based, microbial and GE technologies, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals while improving productivity, efficiency and environmental sustainability. Operationally, Grasslanz maintains two offices in New Zealand and one in Australia, and its multi-disciplinary team draws on experience from agriculture, research and commercialisation. Its technologies and products include work on Epichloë fungal endophytes — such as AR1, AR37, and the MaxQ, MaxQII and MaxP (AR542 and AR584) strains — which are used in pasture grasses to provide pest resistance and animal safety benefits. The company also works on condensed tannin expression in forages to improve livestock nutrition and reduce greenhouse gases. Grasslanz positions itself as a partner to the agricultural industry, working with innovative names in the sector and offering its expertise in research, development and commercialisation. Its leadership team includes Chief Executive Officer Megan Skiffington and Chief Technology Officer John Caradus, supported by business development, seed production, IP and commercial staff. The company is privately held and does not appear to be listed on a public stock exchange.

Grasslanz Technology Limited was established in 2003 in New Zealand. It was created with a specific purpose: to direct research and development investment toward commercially deliverable technologies that could be used by farmers. This founding rationale positioned the company as a bridge between agricultural research and practical on-farm application. From its early years, Grasslanz built expertise in temperate forage varieties and grass endophytes. This included work on Epichloë fungal endophytes, naturally occurring fungi that live symbiotically within pasture grasses and provide benefits such as pest resistance and animal safety. The company became associated with several well-known endophyte strains, including AR1, AR37, and the MaxQ, MaxQII and MaxP (AR542 and AR584) strains used in tall fescue. Over time, Grasslanz expanded beyond its original forage focus into new research areas. It continued to develop plant and microbial technologies, including seed production, plant cultivars, and genetic engineering (GE) approaches. The company describes its mission as empowering farmers through proprietary seed-based, microbial and GE technologies, with the goal of reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals while improving productivity and environmental sustainability. Grasslanz operates with two offices in New Zealand and one in Australia, reflecting its engagement with agricultural markets on both sides of the Tasman. Its multi-disciplinary team brings together experience from agriculture, research and commercialisation. The company collaborates with industry partners and research organisations, positioning itself as a partner for innovation in plant and microbial technologies. In recent years, Grasslanz has continued to publish technical information and ratings for Epichloë endophytes, including insect control and animal safety ratings developed through the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (PBRA) Endophyte Technical Committee. It has also pursued research into condensed tannin expression in forages, aimed at improving livestock nutrition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company remains privately held and active in the New Zealand and Australian agricultural biotechnology sectors.

• 2024

  Published Epichloë endophyte insect control and animal safety ratings tables, and announced work on condensed tannins for livestock nutrition and greenhouse gas reduction.

• 2023

  Published technical information on Epichloë endophyte ratings, including AR1, AR37, and MaxQ/MaxQII/MaxP strains.

• 2003

  Grasslanz Technology Limited established in New Zealand to direct R&D investment toward commercially deliverable agricultural technologies.

A research-driven agricultural biotechnology partner developing proprietary seed-based, microbial and GE technologies to help farmers reduce synthetic chemical reliance and improve sustainability.

• AR1 Epichloë Endophyte

  An endophyte association that produces peramine but does not produce lolitrem B or ergovaline, used in ryegrass for pest resistance.

• AR37 Epichloë Endophyte

  Developed after a loss of ryegrass persistence through the early 2000s despite the success of AR1 in controlling Argentine stem weevil.

• MaxQ, MaxQII, and MaxP (AR542 and AR584)

  Endophyte strains for tall fescue associated with fescue toxicosis management, addressing high ergovaline expression.

• Condensed tannin forages

  Research into condensed tannin expression in important forages to improve livestock productivity and reduce greenhouse gases.

1. 1Explore Sustainable Agriculture Solutions - Grasslanzgrasslanz.com
2. 2About Us | Sustainable Agriculture Pioneers - Grasslanzgrasslanz.com
3. 3Technologies and Products - Grasslanzgrasslanz.com
4. 4Grasslanz Technology Limited (New Zealand) - Wikidatawikidata.org