Wednesday, 14 May 2025 10:55

Editorial: Recognition for ag science

Written by  Staff Reporters
Dr John Roche Dr John Roche

OPINION: People have criticised Christopher Luxon for the time he’s taken to appoint a new chief science advisor.

Well, just like good cheese, some things are worth waiting for and the news that Dr John Roche has got the top job is a masterstroke and great news for the primary sector.

The decision was worth waiting for to get a science leader of the caliber of John Roche. At last, there is someone in the Beehive mix who is a highly respected and internationally recognised agricultural scientist, who can take grassroots farmer, industry and agricultural science matters directly to the boss – the Prime Minister.

For too long, agriculture has been on the outer in terms of science but wisely the Government has seen that quality practical science – especially agriculture – is the answer to economic growth and prosperity.

Luxon’s clear message that ‘bold and courageous decisions need to be made about those (science) areas that aren’t delivering value to NZ’ is laying it on the line to some academics who have indulged themselves in what the late Robert Muldoon caustically described as ‘fun subjects’.

Criticism that the advisory panel has a significant focus on ‘dairy’ says it all. These same people would be without a job and a good lifestyle if it wasn’t for dairy – so get over it and face reality.

While the advisory panel does have people on it from the primary sector, they are all smart individuals with proven ability to innovate and translate that into effective business propositions so good science, in whatever field, will surely not be neglected as some might suggest.

Roche is an intelligent, charming individual (helped a fair bit by his Irishness) with a stellar CV who is constantly in demand as a speaker internationally and locally on matters of science. To top it off, he is a fabulous communicator of science and is a fantastic choice for this important role.

More like this

Editorial: Agri's mojo is back

OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.

Editorial: Sense at last

OPINION: For the first time in many years, a commonsense approach is emerging to balance environmental issues with the need for the nation's primary producers to be able to operate effectively.

Featured

Horticulture exports hit $8.4B, surge toward $10B by 2029

A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.

National

Machinery & Products

Farming smarter with technology

The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

110,000 visitors!

OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.

Sticky situation

OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter