Plans For Protein Factory Studied

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31880, 7 January 1969, Page 20

Plans For Protein Factory Studied

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, January 6.

Economic studies are being made to establish whether the world’s first edible grass protein factory should be built in New Zealand.

Mr C. G. Scrimgeour, of Orewa, one of the trustees for a group of Australian scientists developing the process, said today that talks had already been held with Government officials. “As New Zealand is the best place for grass growing, we are making sure that it is not overlooked,” he said. He said scientists at the University of New South Wales had completed fundamental research on the biochemical process which would turn plant material into protein for human consumption. The team, led by a chemical engineer, Professor G. Roper, and Dr F. Moss, head pf the bacteriological department at the University of New South Wales, is perfecting the process before “staging up” to a production level begins. Several of the world’s largest chemical firms had expressed interest in the project and the studies might persuade large companies to establish their protein plants in New Zealand, he said. If developed fully the process could stablise New Zealand agriculture because the uncertainties of animal pro-

duction would be eliminated, he said. Almost any type of plant material, from grass to tree trunks, could be used. Even if a farmer could not support large numbers of animals on his farm, said Mr Scrimgeour, he could still grow some form of plant material.