The mayor of Dunedin says he has been refused the opportunity to discuss the removal of most staff from the AgResearch centre at Invermay.
Most of Invermay's staff are due to be sent to Lincoln in Canterbury.
Dave Cull and other local government and farming leaders have been working on an alternative plan aimed at retaining many of the staff.
However, Mr Cull says the AgResearch board has refused to meet his delegation.
He says he is disappointed and is taking his concerns about the restructuring Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce.
Mr Cull says if the original proposals go ahead unadulterated, those who make that decision will be held accountable for the effect on Otago and Southland.
