In March 2009 AgResearch announced that it planned to merge with Lincoln University,[2] but that was subsequently changed to an intention to form a joint venture.

[3] A plan called "Future Footprint" was announced in 2013 to concentrate resources at the Grasslands site in Palmerston North and Lincoln campus near Christchurch.

[10] These changes were not eventually implemented due to staff backlash and resignations so the genomics teams remain at Invermay.

[11] AgResearch's science capability is divided into six groups: Animal Productivity, Forage Improvement, Food & Bio-based Products, Animal Nutrition & Health, Innovative Farm Systems and Land & Environment.

Science staff operate in five portfolio groups representing major sectors: Dairy On-farm, Dairy Pasture-to-plate, Meat & Fibre On-farm, Meat & Fibre Paddock-to-Consumer and Agricultural Policy & Maori Agribusiness.