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A scientist instrumental in the development and commercialisation of the novel endophyte AR37 scooped the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award at Beef + Lamb NZ Awards last night.
AgResearch plant scientist, Dr David Hume received the award from Ballance director Dani Darke.
Accepting the award, Hume noted that it was recognition for science and research that goes on in New Zealand.
“Usually, it happens under the radar,” he says.
He attributed his success “to the success of the team around me”.
“They are a bunch of brilliant scientists.”
Hume says the award was the best he has received and coming from the farming sector – the end users of the endophyte- was special.
It has been estimated that AR37 has contributed $3.6 billion to the New Zealand economy over a 20-year period.
The judges described Dr David Hume’s work in the development and commercialisation of this endophyte as being world-leading and of immense benefit to New Zealand’s pastoral farming industry.
They commented that his robust and complex science, years of commitment, leadership and focus on commercialisation to benefit the farmer and grow export value had contributed massively to this country’s primary sector.
Hume’s continued research in this field, including the breakthrough science with cereal endophytes, highlights his on-going commitment to New Zealand’s agricultural industry.
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