New Zealand Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye on Wednesday announced 900,000 NZ dollars ($769, 500) has been allocated towards a new food safety scholarship program with China.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key confirmed the program during his recent visit to China.

The program is developed in partnership between New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). It is the first initiative of the Food Safety Cooperation Agreement signed last November.

The program, to be delivered through Massey University, will give Chinese Food and Drug Administration officials a detailed insight into New Zealand's food safety risk management systems.

"This is an important part of the deepening cooperation in food safety between New Zealand and China," Kaye said in a statement.

"By having official exchanges and scholarships, we also increase the understanding of our respective food safety systems. I anticipate at least 10 people from China will participate in the program over three years. This program is directed at China to New Zealand exchanges but in the future, it is likely we will also look at New Zealand to China exchanges."

The scholarship will cover best practice regulation, risk management, food process and design, and the development and implementation of food standards.

Part of the scholarship will also likely include an internship for Chinese officials to get first-hand experience of New Zealand's food safety with MPI or nominated food safety providers.

The scholarship will be formally launched in the second half of this year and will run for three years.