A produce company is getting $190,000 Government funding to develop a machine to process vegetables on the farm.
Auckland-based Fresh Direct Ltd will match the funding it is getting as the first recipient of the Government's new Technology Transfer Vouchers.
Minister of Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp said the company would work with Industrial Research Ltd to develop the portable machine.
"The vouchers will make it easier for businesses to get access to the research knowledge and expertise they need to realise a good business idea," Dr Mapp said.
"The vouchers pay 50 percent of the cost of the research and development project. They will enable businesses to work with research organisations to bring together smart business ideas and high-quality research expertise."
The May budget included $20 million over four years for the technology transfer voucher scheme and is aimed at businesses that do not have in-house research and development capability.