Regional partnerships crucial to agri-food success

Manawatu is uniquely placed to lead New Zealand’s agri-food sector but needs a concerted regional effort to make that happen, says University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey.

The concentration of food-based research centres in the region provides that advantage and opportunity, Mr Maharey told guests at last night's graduation dinner in Palmerston North.

“The central North Island is the food bowl of the nation. We are supported by our local communities; we are surrounded by great research and food companies. The vision of a centre here made up of researchers, both public and private, agriculture, food companies, associated industries is a real and realisable one.”

“But there is a lot of work we need to do together. The region must secure its identity as the agri-food centre of, not just the country, but the world. This will take focus and a commitment to a long-term strategy. It will take investment of money, people and resources.”

Mr Maharey said Massey University is committed to making the central North Island region into a major international hub for agri-food research, which was of major importance both to the future prosperity of the nation and the world.

“The call now is for more food, produced to a higher quality sustainably,” he said. “As a producer of quality food we stand to be a premium supplier to the world. Once again, only skilled people and science will make this possible. The massive interest in agriculture and food means that Massey is set to lead as it has always done, and to help define the future of the country as it has always done.”

The University had been positioning itself to lead innovation and research in the agri-food sector. “We have repositioned our teaching and research, hired new staff and engaged heavily with all aspects of the agri-food value chain. We are promoting ourselves through such means as the Central Districts Field Days, and we have launched the Food Innovation New Zealand Brand along with the Riddet Centre, AgResearch, Plant and Food, Fonterra, Manwatu District, Palmerston North City and the BioCommerce Centre – and much more.”