To act as a Board of advice to the agriculturalists of the colony. Functions included:

• establishment of experimental stations throughout the colony;

• making analyses of typical soils;

• disseminating meteorological information;

• improving the dairying and livestock industries;

• preventing the adulteration of chemical manures;

• introducing and distributing new varieties of fodder plants, cereals and fruit trees;

• excluding or eradicating insect pests and introducing new and improved mechanical appliances for use in agricultural pursuits.