AgResearch has made further staff cuts as part of a money-saving drive to meet the Government's requirement for a 9% return on equity.
The crown research institute's chief executive, Andrew West, has pared three positions from his executive management team.
Last year job cuts were made among scientists, technicians and support staff, reducing the staff by 52 full time equivalent positions.
Mr West says the institute will not meet the target of 9% return on equity this year, but has no choice other than to achieve the target next year.
He says AgResearch will continue to shrink in size as there is not a great deal of revenue from the primary industries it deals with.
