ASB and Lincoln University Report: Smarter Land Use Could Unlock Billions for NZ Farmers
A new report from ASB and Lincoln University shows how smarter, more diverse land use could unlock billions in value for farmers and the wider economy.
Founder and chairman of ANZCO Foods, Sir Graeme Harrison is personally funding a professorial chair in Global Value Chains and Trade at Lincoln University.
The newly created position will contribute to the research and teaching at the university, but Harrison hopes it will also help lead change in the way New Zealand businesses engage globally throughout the value chain.
According to Lincoln University vice-chancellor Dr Andrew West, position will need a unique set of skills.
"As well as carrying core academic responsibilities, we see the appointee becoming a leading spokesperson on global trade, particularly around the challenges facing New Zealand's agricultural exports," says West.
Harrison believes that New Zealand businesses must understand global supply chains and where they can add value. This new role will aim to educate future business leaders as well as provide leadership in today's industry.
"Ideally we're looking for someone who has developed a high profile and strong reputation outside the academic world, but who has the ability to pass that knowledge on to students, conduct and lead quality research, and collaborate with industry," he says.
The new role is particularly timely with work continuing on the development of the 'Lincoln Hub' – a partnership designed to combine expertise and infrastructure within the primary sector.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
In a surprise move, Federated Farmers meat and wool group has dumped its chair Toby Williams.
Former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has received the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award.
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.
OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…
OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?